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MONTEBUBBLISM: The problem today is that everyone knows it all and no one is willing to listen
ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY,NEWS
Comedy Legend Nipsey Russell Robbed in Death
Arrest Made in Theft of His Personal Effects; Other Arrests May Follow
Random House Announces Acquisition of Andy Murray's Autobiography
Kenwood Vineyards Sponsors Debut of New Jack London Opera
Grab a Date: Thursday Night is Movie Night on Court TV(R) With Most Wanted Movies(SM)
Investigation-Themed Blockbuster Films from Turner Library to Air Thursday Nights at 8 P.M. ET/PT Starting August 17
El editor alemán Axel Springer elige la solución Smart Connection Enterprise
Skunk Steam Train Celebration Set for September 22-27
Godspeed Sails to Boston Commemorates America's 400th Anniversary
17th-Century Replica Ship Brings History to Life and Honors 'The Journey That Changed The World'
SBA Low-Interest Loans Available as a Result of Recent Storms and Flooding
Court TV(R) Unveils Fall 2006 Primetime Programming Docket Featuring High-Octane Action, Daring Rescues and Engrossing Investigations
O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
iPlayMusic's Play Music Together for Macintosh Gives Kids & Families a Fun, Interactive Way to Make Music, Sing Songs and Learn Guitar
Video-Based Learning Method Develops Early Music Skills, and Allows Family & Friends to Share Performances Using iTunes, Video iPod and Email
STAR 98.7 FM, Richard Blade and the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach Welcome the Summer's Ultimate Music Competition; The Mai Tai Bar Rumble
'Weekly Music Series Seeks Emerging Talent to Compete for Cash and Prizes'
Sprint's Steve Gaffney to Present Mobile Entertainment Session at C4-Sports Show
Chrysler Club Championship Swings Into Action
Calling All MySpace Members! See Your Name in Lights! (Part 2)
Every Single MySpace Member Who Adds the 'Mooby's Presents: Clerks II' Page to Their Friends List Will Have Their Name Added to the Ending Credits on the DVD of the Highly Anticipated Release of 'Clerks II'
Video Games for Seniors? Nintendo Says Yes
Six Flags St. Louis Celebrates 30th Birthday of the World Famous Screamin' Eagle
American Coaster Enthusiasts Travel Cross Country to Ride the Wooden Roller Coaster for 30 Consecutive Hours
'VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown' Moves to Saturdays at 9 AM ET/PT.*
VH1's Music Radar
BET's Award-Winning Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS Campaign Blazes Into West Palm Beach, FL on July 22
BET's Mad Linx Slated to Host Teen Health Forum with Celebrity Panel Including Actor Lamman Rucker
Micro Target Media Scores Another Event Marketing Success Using Its High-Impact Portable Restroom Advertising Structure at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game
Mitsubishi Motors to Offer Rockford Corporation Sound Systems in Six Additional Future Models
Johnny Depp's 'Scissor-Hand,' Marlon Brando's SAG Card and 'The Wizard of Oz' Original Matte Painting Are Among Over $2 Million Worth of Exclusive TV and Movie Memorabilia to Be Auctioned Friday, July 28 by Joseph Maddalena's World-Renowned 'Profiles In History'
PBS TV Series, 'THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY' Offers Unique Window Into North Korea
First Foreign Broadcast Unit Visits Kaesong Industrial Complex
The True Story of Deployment: Soldier's New Book Chronicles Daily Life, Personal Feelings About Tour of Duty in Iraq
Ramón Ayala la Estrella del Concierto en el Festival de la Cosecha en Baytown, Texas
The Single Most Incredible Survival Story of the 9/11 Tragedy THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER
The History Channel(R) three-hour special on the Pilgrims' troubled journey and the founding of the Plymouth Colony
Part of 9/11 Week on The History Channel(R): Moments of Courage, Acts of Grace, Triumphs of Will ... COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO
World Premiere Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
The History Channel(R) Presents A Two-Hour Special Examining the World's First Superpower Through Its Astounding Architectural Achievements
EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE To premiere in October, 2006
WiderThan Releases Statement Regarding Patent Infringement Suit
Does Not Believe Suit Has Merit
Massive 'Mount Rockmore' Sand Sculpture Highlights Groundbreaking of Hard Rock Park, the World's First Rock 'n' Roll Theme Park
$400 Million Project Represents Single Largest Tourism Investment in South Carolina History
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY,NEWS
Comedy Legend Nipsey Russell Robbed in Death
Arrest Made in Theft of His Personal Effects; Other Arrests May Follow
While Nipsey Russell lay dying from cancer in Lenox Hill Hospital, he was being robbed by people whom he had trusted for more than thirty years," claims his companion of 23 years, Robbi Robinson, of the beloved comedian, who died of cancer on October 2, 2005. A police report sets forth the details of Robinson's complaint. A police investigation, which has already led to one arrest, has been launched into items stolen from his apartment in a midtown residential hotel, where he had lived for more than three decades.
Robinson had moved into the hospital with Russell for the final days of his life. She first became suspicious of foul play a few weeks before Russell's death, when she says his manager, Joe Rapp, stopped taking her phone calls. At that time Russell, dubbed the "The Poet Laureate of Television" for his unique poetic comedy, suggested to her that Rapp was furious at having been left out of his will, she asserts. She said that Russell told her that in his opinion his manager already owed him a considerable amount of money, specifying the amount.
Only two people besides Russell and she had keys to his apartment, Robinson claimed. In entering the apartment after his death she knew right away that there had been a robbery. A file that Russell told her, "If anything should happen to me, make sure your put your hands on this first," was missing. That file contained a copy of his will, a list of personal financial instructions, tens of thousands of dollars in bearer bonds, the deed to Robinson's apartment, which he had purchased for her across from him on 57th Street, and other valuable items. Also missing were personal letters from luminaries such as Wayne Newton, Langston Hughes, Red Skelton; artistic works, including a radio series, tapes of such jazz greats as Count Basi e and Ella Fitzgerald and tapes of Juvenile Jury, a TV series he had written, produced and starred in for BET; as well as other valuables.
Robinson filed charges with police, presenting evidence to substantiate her claims. Missing cameras were found in the possession of a former Russell employee, Peggy Chane, who was arrested in May. Others close to the comedian are under suspicion regarding other missing items.
Contrary to reports at the time of his death that he was nonsocial and isolated, Russell and Robinson enjoyed a very active social life with their many friends, among whom were doctors, lawyers, judges, as well as other show business friends and admirers. Much fun was had by all when the comedian acted as emcee and exchanged banter and poetic commentaries with Robinson between musical numbers at her New York appearances. These nights were reminiscent of their international touring act, "Music and Merriment," in which Robinson opened with music and Russell concluded with his comedic poetry.
Russell appeared on television on "Laugh-In," "The Dean Martin Show," "To Tell the Truth," and "The Tonight Show;" on Broadway in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and "Hello Dolly;" and in films, such as "Car 54, Where Are You?" and "The Wiz."
Robinson is hopeful that with the help of God and the cooperation of good people that the stolen items will be recovered. She is planning to publish a book of original poems left to her by Russell and believes it will be the capstone of his artistic legacy. Robinson and some of his dearest friends are organizing an October tribute to the legendary comedian at the Friars Club.
Random House Announces Acquisition of Andy Murray's Autobiography
The Random House Group is delighted to announce that Mark Booth and Tim Andrews have acquired rights to the autobiography of Andy Murray. Century will publish the autobiography in hardback two weeks after the end of Wimbledon in the summer of 2007, with an Arrow paperback the following year.
Andy Murray is one of Britain's most promising, talented, and unique young sports stars. His temperamental, passionate, fiery style has attracted legions of new fans to tennis. Young children in particular are in awe of the kid from Dunblane who gets British pulses racing every time he steps out onto the court.
After a string of youth titles, including the Junior US Open title, Murray exploded onto the scene at Wimbledon 2005, when victories over the highly-experienced Georges Bastl and Radek Stepanek, along with a nail-biting eventual defeat to David Nalbandian, marked him out as superstar in the making.
Since then, Murray has shot up the rankings to the top 40; overtaken Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski to become British No.1, won his first ATP title at San Jose, California, and in the process became the youngest-ever Briton to hold an ATP title. He established himself a national icon, swore at an umpire live on national television, and has been marked out for greatness by the original bad boy of tennis - John McEnroe.
Andy Murray's agent, Patricio Apey of ACE Group, says,
'Andy is a great tennis player with a fierce will to win and a personality that this country has rarely seen before and we are looking forward to the telling of his journey so far - and most importantly - in his own words.'
Mark Booth, Publishing Director of Century says,
'We are absolutely thrilled to be publishing Andy Murray and we are confident that the book will be a huge critical and commercial success.'
Tim Andrews, Commissioning Editor of Century says, 'Andy Murray has made tennis exciting again. He has broken through the traditional boundaries of tennis because he is so very different to the other players out there in the game. Not only does he have the sporting X-Factor, but he's got the hopes and backing of the British public behind him.'
Source: The Random House Group, London
Kenwood Vineyards Sponsors Debut of New Jack London Opera
On November 11-19, 2006, the Sonoma City Opera will debut a newly commissioned, full-length opera on the life of legendary author Jack London. Written by noted librettist Philip Littell, with music by Grammy award-winning composer Libby Larsen, Every Man Jack will premiere during the Green Music Festival at Sonoma State University, with financial support from Kenwood Vineyards, its exclusive wine sponsor.
Drawing on Jack London's own writings for inspiration, Every Man Jack brings to life one of American literature's most fascinating men. Supremely talented, hugely successful, adventurous, youthful and self-made, London was a heroic figure in the early 20th century, but he also was a deeply flawed individual struggling with personal demons. It is the dichotomy of these two sides of his personality and their influence on his life path that Every Man Jack explores.
Internationally acclaimed baritone Rod Gilfry will star as Jack London. Mr. Gilfry is renowned for premiering leading roles in successful adaptations of literary works to the opera stage, while electrifying audiences and critics alike.
It is fitting that Kenwood Vineyards is the exclusive wine sponsor of Every Man Jack. For 30 years, Kenwood Vineyards exclusively has produced superb Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel with grapes from Jack London Vineyard. Located in the hills above Glen Ellen in the Sonoma Valley, Jack London Vineyard occupies a portion of the author's Beauty Ranch, where he spent the last years of his life. Each bottle of Kenwood Vineyards Jack London Vineyard wine bears a sand etched label featuring Jack London's personal "wolf" bookplate.
Every Man Jack will be presented at the Person Theatre, located on the Sonoma State University campus near Cotati, on November 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19, 2006. Ticket information is available from the Sonoma City Opera at www.sonomacityopera.org.
Kenwood Vineyards handcrafts wines to showcase the character of premium Sonoma County vineyards. Established in 1970 in the scenic Sonoma Valley, just an hour north of San Francisco, Kenwood Vineyards welcomes visitors to its tasting room daily.
Source: Kenwood Vineyards
Web site: http://www.sonomacityopera.org/
Web site: http://www.korbel.com/
Grab a Date: Thursday Night is Movie Night on Court TV(R) With Most Wanted Movies(SM)
Investigation-Themed Blockbuster Films from Turner Library to Air Thursday Nights at 8 P.M. ET/PT Starting August 17
Court TV, acquired in full by Time Warner in May, takes the first step in maximizing the resources of its new corporate parent Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. by building on its movie line up with Most Wanted Movies(SM), premiering Thursday, August 17, at 8 P.M. ET/PT. Every Thursday at 8 P.M., Court TV will air a recently-produced feature film in the crime and investigation genre from Turner's vast library, with a line-up that includes action, drama and comedy. Scheduling of the films was closely coordinated between all the Turner networks to maximize audience.
"Court TV has aired films regularly for many years, but Turner's film library is a treasure trove for any programmer and really takes our movie offerings to the next level -- we felt like kids in a candy store," said Court TV COO Art Bell. "We selected these films strategically, with the goal of reaching new viewers and exposing them to our original programming through the portal of blockbuster films. It is the first of many opportunities we hope to explore as members of the Turner family."
Most films will run two hours in duration and will feature commercial breaks. Films longer than two hours will air at 7 P.M. ET/PT. The network's selections for Most Wanted Movies(SM) include such films as "Seven" (8/24); "In the Line of Fire" (8/31); "A Few Good Men"; "The Client"; "Runaway Jury"; "Pelican Brief"; "Analyze This"; "Donnie Brasco" and the August 17 premiere, "Bad Boys," starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence among many others.
Court TV, a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks(SM) is comprised of Court TV News(SM), which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously Entertaining(SM) in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV Extra(SM), a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online. The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via http://www.courttv.com/.
El editor alemán Axel Springer elige la solución Smart Connection Enterprise
Una de las mayores editoriales de Alemania ha decidido instalar la solución de edición Smart Connection Enterprise(TM) de WoodWing Software(TM) en algunas de sus publicaciones más importantes.
Axel Springer(TM) comenzará a utilizar este mes Smart Connection Enterprise para editar las revistas Computer Bild(TM), Computer Bild Spiele(TM) y AudioVideoFoto Bild(TM), y espera que el resto de la instalación finalice en octubre.
"Estamos muy ilusionados por contar con Axel Springer como cliente de WoodWing", comentó Jeroen Sonnemans, director administrativo de WoodWing Europe(TM).
"Cuando los trabajadores de Axel Springer nos explicaron qué es lo que buscaban sabíamos que Smart Connection Enterprise era su solución perfecta", afirmó Urs Felber, director administrativo de A&F. "Se trata de un sistema editorial potente y versátil, y confiamos en que mejore su flujo de trabajo y les facilite su labor".
Las publicaciones de Axel Springer se unen a una gama de clientes internacionales que utilizan Smart Connection Enterprise, cuyo número cada vez es mayor. Sonnemans afirmó que en la actualidad hay editoriales en 16 países y cinco continentes que utilizan Smart Connection Enterprise. Hay cerca de 200 compañías que son usuarios del sistema de edición Smart Connection Enterprise, haciendo que sea una de las soluciones de edición más utilizadas a nivel mundial. Smart Connection Enterprise está disponible en inglés, holandés, francés, alemán, italiano, japonés, portugués y español.
"Existen editores de todos los tipos y tamaños en todo el mundo que utilizan Smart Connection Enterprise, como revistas, periódicos, libros y otros productos", comentó Sonnemans. "Los editores han descubierto que si se utiliza InDesign(R), Smart Connection Enterprise es la mejor elección disponible".
Skunk Steam Train Celebration Set for September 22-27
The Skunk Train is hosting a special six-day steam engine event September 22-27 that will be unique for its route, schedule, guest speakers, amenities and the addition of a second steam locomotive.
The Skunk Engine #45, a Mikado-type 2-8-2 super-heated Baldwin steam engine, normally operates out of the Fort Bragg Station on the western end of the Skunk's 40-mile railroad. During the event, the #45 will relocate over the coastal mountain range to the Willits Station for the first time in several years. The #45 will then be joined by a second steam engine, a 1910 Baldwin 2-6-2T, from Roots of Motive Power, for unique "double-header" steam trips. A third diesel locomotive will join the train to add dynamic braking.
Passengers will be allowed to de-board the train for photo opportunities or photo run-bys.
Trips will take six to seven hours with a different set of photo run-by locations. Guests will be entertained on board by musicians and guest speakers, treated to a barbecue lunch and will receive commemorative memorabilia. The cost is $195 per trip (or $75 for children ages 3-12).
Friday (September 22): This is a one-way trip pulled by the Skunk #45 from Fort Bragg - Willits. Bus transportation back to Fort Bragg is included in the price. This is one of only two trips that cover the entire 40-mile line.
Saturday (September 23): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a barbeque at Northspur.
Sunday (September 24): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a special lunch on board the train.
Monday (September 25): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a barbeque at Northspur.
Tuesday (September 26): This double-headed steam engine departs from Willits for a 6-7 hour roundtrip that includes a special lunch on board the train.
Wednesday (September 27): This is a one-way trip pulled by the Skunk #45 from Willits back to Fort Bragg. Bus transportation back to Willits is included in the price. This is second of only two trips that cover the entire 40-mile line.
For information about multi-day packages, hotel discounts or reservations call 800-866-1690 or visit www.SkunkTrain.com.
Source: Skunk Train
Web site: http://www.skunktrain.com/
Godspeed Sails to Boston Commemorates America's 400th Anniversary
17th-Century Replica Ship Brings History to Life and Honors 'The Journey That Changed The World'
The Godspeed opened today at Boston's Fan Pier for the fifth stop in the 17th-century replica ship's 80-day tour of six East Coast cities. America's 400th Anniversary's Godspeed Sail brings the story of the journey that changed the world and the nation's birthplace, Jamestown, VA, to hundreds of thousands of visitors who will have a glimpse into early 17th-century America and the legacies on which our nation was founded.
Docked in Boston July 14 - 19, Godspeed is accompanied by its "Landing Party Festival," a unique combination of education, entertainment and interactive experiences that is free to the public. Live music, family entertainment, and historical and cultural displays bring to life the American legacies of representative government, free enterprise and cultural diversity that first took root at Jamestown. The Godspeed is docked at the John Joseph Moakely U.S. Courthouse Pier with its Landing Party Festival located on the adjacent Fan Pier.
The Godspeed Sail event officially opened at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14. Jamestown 2007 Executive Director Jeanne Zeidler was joined by Stuart W. Connock, Chairman of the Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee, NASA Astronaut Christopher J. Cassidy, and Godspeed Captain Eric Speth in an opening ceremony highlighted by the presentation of an America's 400th Anniversary flag to the City of Boston as the commemorative event's host city.
"The City of Boston is honored and delighted to host the Godspeed Sail as it commemorates America's 400th Anniversary. I urge everyone to go to Fan Pier to tour this impressive replica ship and take part in the Godspeed Sail Landing Party Festival," Mayor Thomas M. Menino said.
Visitors can board the Godspeed for dockside tours with historical guides in period costume, then take a "virtual" voyage in an on-shore motion simulator. Interactive exhibits will give visitors the sense of what life was like in early Jamestown and America, while a gallery-in-the-round called "American People, American Progress" takes them on a journey through 400 years of contributions made by the Native American, European and African-American cultures that converged at Jamestown in the early 1600s.
Entertainment includes "Anniversary Voices," a live contemporary musical and dance production themed around America's 400th Anniversary. An original children's show, "Ba-baaah and the Windigo" features a cast of whimsical characters in a Jamestown story from the point-of-view of a young Indian girl and some of the indigenous animals present when the ships first arrived.
Joining these commemorative productions on the Godspeed Stage during July 14 - 19 will be a wealth of diverse Boston-area talent, including Alison Freeman, Annawon Weedon, Bob Olson, Brother Blue, Djembe Dell'Arte: Troupe Komee Josee, Hawk Henries, Liberty Belle Chorus, Lissa Schneckenburgen, Marc Bernier, Middlesex Concert Band, Pan Loco Steel Drums, United States Air Force Band of Liberty, and Wampanoag Nation Singers & Dancers, as well as the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums from Williamsburg, VA.
Also taking the spotlight as headline entertainment will be recording artists Scott Miller & the Commonwealth (July 15 at 7-8 p.m.); Mutlu (July 14 at 7-8 p.m.); and Louise Setara (July 18 and 19 at 3:25 - 3:55 p.m.).
Fan Pier in Boston is the Godspeed Sail's penultimate port of call. Fan Pier spans more than 20 acres along Northern Avenue (approximately nine city blocks and three million square feet) and is considered one of the most desired waterfront development sites on the East Coast. The Fallon Company is building two office buildings, a five-star hotel, condominiums and high-end retail on Fan Pier. The world-class site will also feature new public parks, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), which opens September, 2006, a Harbor Walk and a protected marina. It will soon be a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area with breathtaking views of the water and downtown skyline. Fan Pier is easily accessible by public transportation, including the MBTA's Silver Line.
The Godspeed Sail proceeds from Boston to Newport, RI, for its final stop at the Newport Yachting Center from July 25 - July 30. To date, the Godspeed Sail has visited four ports this summer and educated and entertained nearly 400,000 visitors in the following locations: The historic Old Town Waterfront in Alexandria, VA, from May 27- June 4; Baltimore Inner Harbor from June 9 - June 12; The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia from June 16 - June 19; and the South Street Seaport Museum Pier 16 in New York City from June 27 - July 6.
The 2006 Godspeed Sail is one of 10 signature events and hundreds of other community projects commemorating America's 400th Anniversary. America's 400th Anniversary will feature 18 months of special events, symposia and educational opportunities. The centerpiece event will be America's 400th Anniversary weekend, hosted in America's Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown, VA, on May 11-13, 2007. Please visit www.americas400thanniversary.com to learn more about the Godspeed Sail and other America's 400th Anniversary events and schedules.
Jamestown 2007, a sub-agency of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, is coordinating efforts to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. Jamestown is also the site of the nation's first representative government, free enterprise and multi-cultural society. State, national, and international commemorative events to salute these legacies began in May 2006 and continue into 2008. Major corporate sponsors of America's 400th Anniversary include Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) , Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and Colonial Williamsburg. More information about the commemoration is available at www.Americas400thAnniversary.com.
Source: Jamestown 2007, Inc.
Web site: http://www.americas400thanniversary.com
SBA Low-Interest Loans Available as a Result of Recent Storms and Flooding
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announces that Sussex County and the contiguous Kent County in the State of Delaware; the contiguous counties of Caroline, Dorchester, Wicomico and Worcester in the State of Maryland, have been declared a disaster area as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred June 25, 2006.
"As a result of this declaration, low-interest loans are available to homeowners, renters and businesses that sustained damages from the storms and flooding," said Frank Skaggs, Director of SBA Field Operations Center East. "If you are a victim of this incident, you are eligible to apply for assistance," Skaggs added.
To assist disaster victims, SBA is opening a temporary Disaster Loan Assistance Center Monday, July 17th at 9:00 a.m. The Center will remain open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., until further notice and for one Saturday only, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Center location:
Sussex County
Fire Station #87
King Cannon Streets
Seaford, Delaware 19973
SBA offers loans up to $40,000 for renters and homeowners to repair or replace disaster damaged personal property such as furniture and clothing. Homeowners are eligible for loans up to $200,000 to repair disaster damaged primary residences. Loans to businesses of all sizes and non-profit organizations are available up to $1.5 million to repair damage to real estate, machinery, equipment and inventory. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are also available to small businesses unable to pay bills or meet operating expenses.
Interest rates are as low as 2.937 percent for renters and homeowners and 4.000 percent for businesses with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based upon each applicant's financial condition.
Anyone unable to visit the Disaster Loan Assistance Center may obtain applications by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659- 2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing-impaired), Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. EDT. Applications may be obtained, completed and returned to the Disaster Loan Assistance Center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, National Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155. Business loan applications can also be downloaded from the SBA website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster.
The application deadline for physical damage is September 11, 2006; the deadline for economic injury applications is April 13, 2007.
For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Programs, visit our website at http://www.sba.gov/disaster
Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
Web site: http://www.sba.gov/
Court TV(R) Unveils Fall 2006 Primetime Programming Docket Featuring High-Octane Action, Daring Rescues and Engrossing Investigations
Court TV Seriously Entertaining(SM) ushers in a new level of drama and excitement to the investigative genre with a compelling lineup for Fall 2006. With six series, six feature documentaries and two specials set to premiere, and five series in development, coupled with the slate of returning flagship series such as Forensic Files, Psychic Detectives and Dominick Dunne: Power Privilege and Justice, Court TV, which just completed its most watched 2nd quarter in the history of the network among adults 18-49, is poised to continue its record setting growth in 2006.
Ride along with the nation's most highly-trained law enforcers with SWAT USA(SM), get a glimpse into the true crime stories that interest our greatest storytellers in America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They Wrote(SM), and delve into the passion of the families effected by 9/11 -- and see how they pushed for the creation of the 9/11 commission -- in On Native Soil. Vinny Parco and his angels are busting criminals for a second season on Parco, PI(SM), and the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue Team makes a splash this season on Beach Patrol(SM): Miami Beach.
NEW ACTION SERIES
Speeders(SM)
Wednesday, August 23rd 8 P.M. ET/PT
In this half-hour caught-on-tape series, we'll see the chases, the confessions, the excuses, and the outbursts as America's finest pull over unsuspecting speeders.
SWAT USA(SM)
Premieres in September
Court TV expands the successful "SWAT" genre, with an up-close, inside look at the high-stakes world of special weapons and tactics teams across the United States. From strategy and planning to heart-pounding deployment, this half-hour series is a truly unique and exciting look at the best in law enforcement.
Beach Patrol(SM): Miami Beach
Mondays, 8:00 P.M. ET/PT
Coming off the huge success of Beach Patrol: San Diego, Court TV explores a new coast in Beach Patrol: Miami Beach, a fast-paced, hard-driving series that follows the lifeguards of the Miami Beach Ocean Rescue team.
NEW SCRIPTED SERIES
'Til Death Do Us Part(SM)
Coming in the New Year
Recalling the great anthology series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, 'Til Death Do Us Part features fabled underground film director John Waters starring as "The Groom Reaper(SM)." Each episode of the network's first original scripted series dramatizes the events of a true crime, opening at the wedding of a happy couple, with the time-traveling Groom Reaper as an unexpected guest, foretelling the worst. Through tantalizing scenes from the marriage, the Groom Reaper reveals the story of the ill-fated relationship, leaving viewers guessing as to who will be the victim ... and who will be the culprit.
NEW INVESTIGATIVE SERIES
America's Crime Writers Investigate: Murder They Wrote(SM)
Coming in November
Court TV has recruited the masters of the American crime novel to present absorbing new takes on twisted tales and incredible true-life mysteries. In each hour-long episode, Court TV teams with one of the nation's best novelists to delve into a case that has fascinated or touched them in some way. Through documentary footage, first-person accounts and the author's own insights, each episode sheds new light on a particularly intriguing crime. Season one includes authors James Ellroy, Faye Kellerman, Jonathan Kellerman, Michael Connelly and Lisa Scottoline.
Missing Persons Unit(SM)
Wednesday, August 30, 9:30 P.M. ET/PT
In this compelling new investigative series, Court TV re-examines the most baffling missing person cases from across the country. Each 30-minute episode chronicles a race against the clock, as an investigative team reconstructs the last two days of the missing person's life to learn who they are, and where they might be found.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS
On Native Soil
Monday, August 21st 10 P.M. ET/PT
Based on the best-selling 9/11 Commission Report, and narrated by Academy Award(R) winners Kevin Costner and Hilary Swank, On Native Soil details the personal stories of tragedy and triumph that led to the formation of the 9/11 Commission and the publication of the Commission's landmark report. Directed by three-time Emmy Award(R)-winning news and film producer Linda Ellman, the documentary presents provocative new details and exclusive interviews, focusing on the human side of the largest terrorist assault ever to take place in the United States.
SPAM: The Documentary
We all know it ... it clogs our computers and may ultimately slow and damage the Internet. But where does spam come from? Who are the criminal minds behind it? In an insightful and often humorous investigation, Court TV looks into the global culture of spam, arguably one of the 20th century's most annoying and harmful innovations.
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILMS (cont.)
The Man Who Would Be Polka King
Jan Lewan was the Elvis of polka music, selling out months of performances in Atlantic City. But he was also a criminal mastermind. This documentary is an irreverent portrait of one man whose professional career was destroyed because he began to believe he was bigger than the music.
Murder in the Dark
Not guilty by reason of ... sleep? People have been known to do some strange things while sleeping, but assault, rape, even murder? Parasomnia, a disorder that causes people to literally, be active in their sleep, is emerging as a new legal defense in violent criminal cases. Murder in the Dark goes inside an actual parasomnia case to see how well this defense holds up in court. Through the courtroom drama and exclusive access to alarming sleep clinic footage, Executive Producer Christine LeGoff (Murder on a Sunday Morning, The Staircase) shows just how violent some parasomniacs can be.
K-11: The Pink Cell
In the LA County Jail there is a unit where gay, bisexual, and transgender inmates are housed apart from the general population. It is so much nicer than the general prison that even straight people try to con their way in. K-11: The Pink Cell is a shocking, funny, and provocative look at the side of prison that the public has never seen before, produced by World of Wonder (Inside Deep Throat, The Eyes of Tammy Faye).
The Exodus Project
Exodus is run by ex-cons, with the goal of finding jobs for former inmates and freeing them from the revolving door that propels so many right back behind bars. Filled with incredible characters and fascinating success stories, this film highlights the dynamics of an organization whose administration is at as much risk as their clients.
SPECIALS
Stories of the Innocence Project(SM): Broken Words
Monday, July 31st 11 P.M. ET/PT
Court TV's acclaimed series highlights inspirational stories of redemption from the case files of Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld's Innocence Project, which has provided direct representation or critical assistance in cases involving post-conviction DNA evidence, resulting in the exoneration of more than 110 wrongly imprisoned men and women. In this episode, police in Ada, Oklahoma are stumped by a horrific crime and when the case quickly stalls, they focus the investigation on the town eccentric, Ron Williamson. Convinced there were two killers, authorities arrest Williamson and his only friend, Dennis Fritz. Both men proclaim their innocence but are found guilty: Fritz is sentenced to life in prison, and Williamson is sent to death row. Can the Innocence Project wade through faulty hair evidence, ignored suspects and questionable informants in time to save one man from a life in prison and another from death? This compelling case is also the subject of a new book from best-selling author John Grisham.
SPECIALS (cont.)
Cell Phone Justice(M)
Coming this summer
We love them, but of course, we also hate them. While they can be rage inducing, viewers might be surprised to learn that they have also become powerful eyewitnesses in the fight against crime ... Cell Phone Justice will take an in depth look at this new trend.
Disorder In The Court
Monday, August 14th 8 P.M. ET/PT
This special counts down the top 20 most infamous, shocking, and often hilariously unprecedented courtroom moments from some of the most noteworthy trials of the recent past. Combining interviews with leading legal luminaries and cultural commentators with archival footage, unforgettable video, and still photographs, 'Disorder In The Court' reveals 20 great reasons why we're all continually fascinated with the legal process.
PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT
Bounty Girls(SM)
Sunshine State Bail Bonds in Southern California is home to an elite team of female bounty hunters who use their brains and beauty to track down and bust the most hardened criminals. Court TV's cameras go along for the ride, following the best in the business as they do their jobs in style.
Call 911(SM)
More than half a million 911 calls are placed every day. From home invasions to hostage situations, this half-hour brings the most intense, amazing calls to life, played out in real time, from the moment the call is made to its eventual resolution.
Divorce Story(SM)
When a marriage goes sour and a bitter legal battle is inevitable, some couples use binding arbitration to avoid a prolonged feud. In each episode of Divorce Story, Court TV follows two couples as they go through the arbitration process, resolving their conflicts once and for all. The series is produced by Craig Piligian, creator of Dirty Jobs.
Phenomena Police(SM)
The Phenomena Police are a group of active duty peace officers who investigate calls involving paranormal activity and unusual phenomena. Using forensic investigative techniques, police procedures and advanced technology, they gather evidence and find out what really went on and why it happened.
Real Hustlers (wt)
In this exciting new series, the con is on! A team of talented former con men and women led by a world-class hustler who demonstrates some of the cleverest cons of all time, offering tips on how to avoid getting conned.
RETURNING SERIES
Parco, P.I(SM)
Tuesday, August 15th 10 P.M. ET/PT
This hybrid reality/docu-drama series returns for a second season. The show follows the Parcos, a family of New York City private eyes, as they crack cases and expose secrets at their family-run private investigation firm. From cheating spouses to corrupt business partners, the series combines the most compelling elements of verite documentaries and scripted drama
RETURNING SERIES (cont.)
Body of Evidence(SM): From the Case Files of Dayle Hinman
Saturdays 10:00 P.M. ET/PT
Get inside the mind, life and career of Special Agent Dayle Hinman, one of the country's leading forensic profilers. Using intensive examination of forensic evidence and skillful psychological insight, Hinman aids the police in isolating suspects and solving some of the country's most baffling mysteries.
Dominick Dunne's Power, Privilege and Justice(SM)
Fridays 11 P.M. ET/PT
Beverly Hills, the Hamptons, South Beach ... these are the playgrounds of America's wealthy and powerful. But a dark side exists beneath the sparkling surface of dazzling parties, elite country clubs, and expensive jewels. Celebrated author and popular Vanity Fair columnist Dominick Dunne has spent years chronicling the high-profile personalities caught in the web of money, murder, and mystery. Now, Dunne returns to examine new stories at the fascinating junction of crime, money and justice.
Forensic Files(R)
Wednesdays 9 P.M. ET/PT
Forensic Files(R), the network's signature original series offers new episodes featuring a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how investigators use cutting-edge forensic technology to solve present day as well as decades-old crimes. This ultimate reality series -- the real-life CSI -- is one of the highest-rated programs on Court TV. Produced by Medstar Television for Court TV.
Haunting Evidence(SM)
Wednesdays 10:30 P.M. ET/PT
From the network that started the paranormal crime-solving phenomenon with Psychic Detectives(R), comes a new original series that takes the genre to the next dimension. Haunting Evidence(SM) follows an unusual investigation with a team of unconventional experts comprised of psychic profiler Carla Baron, paranormal investigator Patrick Burns, and medium John J. Oliver. In each episode, the team -- who receive no information on the case other than the victim's name -- use their skills to visualize and describe the details of the crime with amazing accuracy.
Hollywood Heat(SM)
Thursdays 11:30 P.M. ET/PT
Each week, Hollywood Heat(SM) breaks crime and justice entertainment news, with celebrity interviews and set visits, commentary from legal and entertainment industry pundits, reports from "The Smoking Gun Hotsheet(SM)," and special on-the-street "Dismissed Juror(SM)" reports from the one and only, Joan Rivers. New host Lynne White dishes out the hottest extravagances, eccentricities and excesses of Tinseltown's biggest stars in this fast-paced, half-hour show.
RETURNING SERIES (cont.)
Hot Pursuit(SM)
From high-speed chases to dangerous crashes, this adrenaline-pumping series shows the dangers our law enforcement professionals face every day. Featuring the most amazing footage ever captured, much of it taken from the dashboard-mounted cameras in the police vehicles themselves, each half-hour episode is a wild ride.
Inside
Next premiere Monday, August 21 8 P.M. ET/PT
From the nation's toughest prisons to the elite team that guards the nation's diplomats, "Inside" takes you behind the scenes and behind the headlines into some of the most dangerous and fascinating areas of criminal justice and investigation.
The Investigators(SM)
Mondays 10 P.M. ET/PT
The original Court TV documentary series The Investigators uses well-told stories, human drama, and the process of investigation to shed light on the many dimensions inherent in the complex nature of this country's judicial system.
L.A. Forensics(SM)
Fridays 10:30 P.M. ET/PT / Mondays 9:00 P.M./ET
With unprecedented access, this new series takes viewers inside the actual case files of one of the nation's largest and most respected crime labs, the LAPD Scientific Investigation Division (SID). Each episode focuses on a gripping crime story that combines tried-and-true detective work with SID's cutting-edge forensics to eventually unravel a compelling, true-life mystery.
Masterminds(SM)
Tuesdays 11 P.M. ET/PT
These are the true stories of brilliant criminals and the amazing deceptions they've used to pull off seemingly impossible crimes. Combining the mystery of a "whodunit" with the thrill of a "howdunit," the series reveals the men and women behind the daring capers, from elite bank robbers, jewel thieves and escape artists to impersonators, kidnappers and con artists.
North Mission Road(SM)
Mondays 9:30 P.M. ET/PT
Los Angeles may be a city of illusions, but those illusions end at 1104 North Mission Road, home of the Los Angeles County Coroner where up to 20,000 cases are investigated annually. With unprecedented access to the Coroner's massive files, this show presents L.A.'s most unique and compelling cases. Each episode follows the highly trained professionals of the Coroner's Department as they use the latest in forensic medicine and investigative techniques to solve a variety of challenging mysteries.
Psychic Detectives(R)
Wednesdays 10 P.M. ET/PT
Court TV's popular series Psychic Detectives(R) started America's obsession with the talented men and women who help law enforcement solve some of the country's toughest cases. This season, the series returns with more fascinating stories of the psychics who developed the uncanny tips and unexplainable clues that have helped detectives solve baffling cases.
Under Investigation(SM)
Quarterly - next premiere Monday, July 17 10 P.M. ET/PT
Monday, September 18 10 P.M. ET/PT
Wednesday, December 20th 9:30 P.M. ET/PT
In this riveting half-hour investigative series, Court TV takes a closer look at the most talked about unsolved cases ripped from today's headlines. Last season, this compelling series examined the Greenwich murder of financier Andrew Kissel, the cruise ship mystery of groom George Smith IV, and the disappearance of Alabama teen Natalie Holloway.
Video Justice(SM)
Fridays 8 P.M. ET/PT
This new original series from John Langley, the creator and producer of Cops, illustrates how the camera has become law enforcement's most powerful tool in the fight against crime. Each 30-minute episode reveals how difficult it is for criminals to get away with crime in a world where someone is always watching.
Court TV(R), a Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. company, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains. Seen in 86 million U.S. homes, Court TV Networks is comprised of Court TV News(SM), which provides live trial coverage in daytime; Court TV: Seriously Entertaining(SM) in prime time, featuring investigative drama, expert reality and compelling non-fiction series; and Court TV Extra(SM), a subscription Web-based service offering viewers an interactive opportunity to watch multiple live trials on the Internet, while accessing the tremendous resources of Court TV Online(SM). The Court TV Web sites can be accessed via http://www.courttv.com/.
Source: Court TV
Web site: http://www.courttv.com/
O Say, Can You Sing, Toledo? National Anthem Project Rolls into Town to Reteach 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
- Two out of three Americans don't know the words to the National Anthem
- Jeep(R) brand sponsors multi-year campaign to reteach Americans the words to 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
- Toledo City Council President helps Jeep welcome the National Anthem Project to its hometown
- Public event scheduled for Sunday, July 16 at the Toledo Zoo
The National Anthem Project, an effort to reteach Americans the words to the "The Star-Spangled Banner" and spotlight school music programs, arrives today in Toledo, Ohio, hometown of the project's National Presenting Sponsor, Jeep(R). The project is part of a year-long, 50-city tour that will visit every state in the country.
Rob Ludeman, Toledo City Council President; Rhonda Shappert, Mrs. Ohio 2005; and Cynthia Sidoti, Toledo Jeep Supplier Park Plant Manager, welcomed the National Anthem Project (NAP) to the City with a press conference at the Toledo Government Center. Central Catholic High School's (Toledo) Acapella Group, singing in four-part harmony, led the audience in a stirring rendition of the national anthem.
"The Jeep brand is about freedom, being able to 'go anywhere and do anything' -- the foundation of this country," said Sidoti. "For more than 64 years, Jeep has been a part of the Toledo community, so we are pleased to host the National Anthem Project in our hometown."
The NAP will be open to the public on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo, one of only two stops the tour will make in Ohio. Later in the evening, the NAP will help open Music Under the Stars, featuring the Toledo Symphony.
America Is Losing Its Voice
Created by the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the NAP is a multi-year national education initiative to reteach Americans the national anthem after a Harris Poll showed that two out of three Americans don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner." The Jeep brand signed on to be the National Presenting Sponsor, building upon its 65-year heritage and role in U.S. history. First Lady Laura Bush serves as Honorary Chairperson.
National Anthem Project in Toledo
The local stop includes a singing contest and concert on Sunday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater. Attendees during Sunday's event will enjoy a concert featuring students from Byrnedale (Toledo) Junior High School and interactive activities that teach about the historical significance of the National Anthem.
Aspiring performers also have the opportunity to prove their singing skills in the NAP All-Star Contest, in which one winner from each state will be awarded a $1,000 donation to his/her local music program and given the opportunity to perform at a concert in Washington, D.C. in 2007. Attendees also will be able to support their local school music programs by joining MusicFriends, a non-profit music advocacy group; donations made to MusicFriends will be used towards large-scale awareness programs for the importance of music education.
As National Presenting Sponsor, the Jeep brand has mobilized a patriotic- themed Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee that are traveling with the tour. And because Jeep is the only "go anywhere, do anything" brand, attendees will have the opportunity to have their picture taken "on the moon," behind a static space suit, in one of the most patriotic images in American history.
For more information about how to get involved and support the NAP and school music education, please visit http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/.
About the Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand's 65-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2006, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its promise to provide rugged, versatile, innovative four-wheel drive vehicles with the recently introduced Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Wrangler 4-door Unlimited.
This expansion of the Jeep brand grows its showroom from three to seven sport utility vehicles following last year's introduction of the Jeep Commander. The other two Jeep vehicles are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Liberty.
The Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are produced in Toledo, Ohio.
Source: Chrysler Group
Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/
iPlayMusic's Play Music Together for Macintosh Gives Kids & Families a Fun, Interactive Way to Make Music, Sing Songs and Learn Guitar
Video-Based Learning Method Develops Early Music Skills, and Allows Family & Friends to Share Performances Using iTunes, Video iPod and Email
iPlayMusic, a leading provider of music learning and entertainment products, today announced the launch of Play Music Together, a Macintosh software and video DVD designed to enable toddlers and preschoolers to make music with parents and caregivers. This unique music learning and entertainment product includes interactive guitar and song lessons, and a dancing and singing puppet named Capo who encourages participation among the whole family.
Play Music Together includes interactive software for the Macintosh, GarageBand music projects, a printable coloring book featuring scenes from the children's songs and a bonus DVD. A video-only DVD of guitar and song lessons is also available for viewing on any television, PC or portable DVD player. Videos from the Macintosh software can be easily exported to iTunes and played on a video iPod for anytime, anywhere entertainment or learning. Play Music Together delivers programming to help preschoolers develop their musical skills through interaction with the program, while also encouraging families to learn guitar, sing and have fun together.
With more than 35 video guitar and song lessons, unique puppetry, animation and effects, Play Music Together makes it fun and easy for families to begin making music. Each guitar lesson is presented using iPlayMusic's critically acclaimed multi-angle video-based instruction method, which enables beginning musicians of any age to learn the skills and techniques necessary to play or sing songs without learning to read music.
Play Music Together features scrolling chords and lyrics, close-ups of the left and right hands and looping features that allow children to learn songs by playing or singing along at their own pace. Capo the puppet models fun songs and activities so youngsters develop an understanding and appreciation of musical elements including rhythm, tempo and pattern, while parents, teachers or caregivers play along and join in the fun. After just a few basic lessons, children of any age can play and sing-along with six popular family songs like If You are Happy and You Know It, The Wheels on the Bus, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, I've Been Working on the Railroad, The Crawdad Song and The ABC Song/Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Medley.
"Parents understand that children who develop music skills early perform better academically, and that just the act of hearing music stimulates young minds," said Stewart Putney, president of iPlayMusic. "Play Music Together was designed to provide families with a fun and entertaining way to expose their children to music, while at the same time developing early musical skills. The interactive videos, animation, colorful puppet and scrolling lyrics make it easy for the entire family to join in the learning process, and bond through their mutual enjoyment of music."
Play Music Together for the Macintosh includes special features that take full advantage of Apple's iLife suite of applications. Each song lesson includes a full GarageBand project file, complete with instrumental and vocal tracks, so families can remix the featured songs, change or add vocals or instruments, record their own performances, and share them with family and friends using iTunes, email and iWeb.
Product Demonstrations, Pricing and Availability
To view a video demonstration of Play Music Together, visit http://www.iplaymusic.com/kids-demo.html . To sign up for a free podcast, which includes a sample song lesson with Capo, visit www.iplaymusic.com or Apple's iTunes Music Store. In iTunes, simply search for iPlayMusic, then subscribe.
Play Music Together for the Macintosh is available for $39.95. The video- only DVD version of Play Music Together is sold separately for $24.95. The software will be available for Windows in early fall 2006.
Play Music Together is available from www.iplaymusic.com and will soon be carried in select retail stores. A variety of guitar lesson learning products are also available from iPlayMusic, including instructional guitar DVDs, guitar lesson downloads, guitars and accessories.
About iPlayMusic
iPlayMusic, Inc. is a leading provider of music learning and entertainment products. The iPlayMusic learning method is a video-based instruction method that enables any beginning musician to learn the skills and techniques necessary to play songs without learning to read music. Founded in 2005, the privately-funded company is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For information, call 650-387-9126, email sales@iplaymusic.com or visit www.iplaymusic.com.
Source: iPlayMusic
STAR 98.7 FM, Richard Blade and the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach Welcome the Summer's Ultimate Music Competition; The Mai Tai Bar Rumble
'Weekly Music Series Seeks Emerging Talent to Compete for Cash and Prizes'
Get ready for the summer's hottest musical acts to take the stage at the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach, Calif. The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is an annual music competition series which showcases the best unsigned talent in town. The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is seeking alternative and reggae-rock bands to join their summer roster and compete for cash and prizes totaling up to $20,000. Bands will showcase every Thursday night starting Aug. 3, thru Aug. 24. For complete entry details, rules and prizing please visit www.maitaibar.com.
The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is now accepting band submissions until July 31, 2006 for consideration to perform at the August showcases. Entry is free, and bands will be considered for the limited number of performance slots based on their CD submission and overall musicianship. Selected bands will be notified in advance of showcase date. Each week, a panel of judges will select the band with the night's highest score to advance to a finals round on August 24. The winning band in each category will receive cash and prizes worth $10,000.00 which includes an eight week paid residency at the Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach.
Hosting this year's Mai Tai Rumble is Los Angeles radio veteran and authority on emerging talent, Star 98.7 FM's radio personality, Richard Blade. "There is an over abundance of great unsigned talent throughout Southern California in all genres," said Richard Blade. "The Mai Tai Bar Rumble is quite unique and I'm very excited to be a part of it." Richard Blade is the most famed radio personality in Los Angeles. Born in England, Blade came on the American music scene in 1982 and within a few months became the #1 Arbitron-rated radio personality on the West Coast. Some of the artists that Richard played were Duran Duran, Berlin, Dramarama, The English Beat, Billy Idol to name a few.
Since opening last year as the first West Coast location, The Mai Tai Bar in Long Beach is increasingly growing in its reputation as the Pike's and Long Beach's best nightspot and entertainment venue. The first Mai Tai Bar Rumble in Long Beach will offer an exciting music competition to locals, fans and visitors. Locations in Oahu and Daytona Beach have successfully branded the Mai Tai Bar Rumble as the most anticipated musical event of the year.
In addition to its island inspired flare, The Mai Tai Bar is a trendsetting, tastefully chic spot offering sunset views and live entertainment seven days a week. From sipping on famous icy Mai Tais and enjoying one of the many delicious appetizers or sandwiches, the Mai Tai Bar has become a world famous award-winning hotspot in Hawaii and Florida. In 2005, it was awarded "Top Bar" by Honolulu Magazine. The Mai Tai Bar is opened weekly 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Mai Tai Bar features two weekly happy hours: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Locals can enjoy live music twice a day, every day.
The Mai Tai Bar
With locations in Oahu, Hawaii and Daytona Beach, Fla., The Mai Tai bar showcases nightly live music, a popular happy hour and exotic food and drink. Embodying the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands, The Mai Tai Bar includes tropical scenery, ocean vistas, images of waves and surf, and exceptional hospitality.
The Mai Tai bar serves a delightful array of martinis, island cocktails and mai tais as well as island style appetizers including Ahi Sashimi, Chicken Chinois, Coconut Shrimp and other delicious pupus (Hawaiian appetizers). The Mai Tai Bar was voted "Best Bar in Hawaii" in a poll conducted by the Honolulu Star Bulletin and was the recipient of the Ilima Award for "Best Bar" in Hawaii in a poll conducted by the Honolulu Advertiser.
Source: Mai Tai Bar
Web site: http://www.maitaibar.com/
Sprint's Steve Gaffney to Present Mobile Entertainment Session at C4-Sports Show
Steve Gaffney, director of National Sports Marketing at Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) , will present an educational session at the C4-Sports Electronic Media and Technology show on July 18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Gaffney's presentation, "Bringing Fans Closer to the Games They Love: Sports as Mobile Entertainment," will focus on the mobile world of sports, which is becoming one of the fastest-growing and most influential segments in the wireless arena.
Gaffney will explore the roots of sports as mobile entertainment as well as the user trends that have compelled the sports industry to view mobile devices as an integral tool in bringing fans closer to the games they love. Drawing on his knowledge and experience with NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Racing and as caretaker of sponsorships with the National Football League and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, Gaffney will reveal what's hot, what's new, and what's next on the mobile phone for everyone from the professional sports to fantasy league fan.
"Sports is so heavily driven by information flow, and now that HDTV and the Internet have been integrated, it is only natural for people to look for a 'next place' to consume information; that is the mobile platform," said Gaffney. "My presentation will discuss the nail-biting, heart-pounding adrenaline rush sports fans can find only in one place -- the palms of their hands."
Gaffney's presentation will also touch on issues such as rights management and production specifically for the small screen. He will also offer attendees a look at some of the cutting-edge features Sprint's NFL Mobile application offers football fans -- exclusively on Sprint handsets.
"Sprint is quickly becoming an industry leader in providing more fully and richly delivered content over mobile devices, such as NFL highlights and game- day information, and we are moving toward sports programming that is specifically designed for the wireless environment. I am excited to be participating in C4 and educating attendees on this popular subject, and I am looking forward to learning from other industry leaders about other sports technologies," Gaffney added.
"Because our society has become mobile by nature, it is now essential to have news content delivered to us in this fashion, whether it's business and stock reports or sports scores and highlights," said Gene Sanders, general manager, C4-Sports. "Steve has tremendous knowledge about the rising trend of content delivery through handheld devices as well as how to leverage sponsorship agreements to include content elements that enhance the fan experience. We are confident that C4 registrants attending his presentation will learn about the current state of wireless content delivery and will discover what the future holds."
At Sprint, Gaffney is responsible for managing the company's national sports sponsorships, including the PGA of America, Sprint Center, as well as the National Football League and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association mentioned above. In addition, Gaffney drives the national marketing strategy behind the company's NASCAR Nextel Cup Series sponsorship.
Prior to his appointment at Sprint, Gaffney served as the director of Nextel Cup Marketing for Nextel Communications. His responsibilities included development and execution of the national marketing strategy and initiatives leveraging Nextel's position as title sponsor of NASCAR's premier racing series. Before joining Nextel, Gaffney was group director/consulting at Octagon Marketing, where he had primary responsibility for management of the NASCAR Nextel Cup sponsorship.
For more information or to register for the C4-Sports show online, visit http://www.c4-sports.com/.
About C4-Sports
C4-Sports is the only exclusive exposition and conference dedicated to the sports content industry. Attracting athletic directors, facility managers, sports broadcasters, coaches, and athletes from across the nation, it will provide exhibitors with the unique opportunity to network with these professionals. More than 5,000 sports professionals are expected to converge in Las Vegas on July 17-19 for this dynamic marketplace of sports technologies, products, services, and ideas. More information about C4-Sports is available online at http://www.c4-sports.com/ .
Chrysler Club Championship Swings Into Action
Amateur Golfers Across the Country Can Compete to Play With the Top Pros
- Amateur golfers across the country can participate in local Chrysler Club Championship tournaments with winners advancing to additional rounds of tournament play
- National champions to play with the top pros in PGA Tour's 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Pro-Am in Palm Desert, Calif.
- Benefiting charities include American Junior Golf Association and National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Chrysler brand celebrates more than 40 years of golf sponsorships
Have you ever dreamed about playing in a major golf tournament with Justin Leonard or Mike Weir? Or thought about walking alongside a top professional golfer toward the 18th green? Your dreams could all come true if you win the Chrysler Club Championship.
The Chrysler Club Championship (CCC), a national amateur golf tournament hosted by the Chrysler brand in partnership with Golf Digest Publications (Golf Digest, Golf Digest For Women, Golf World), offers male and female amateur golfers the chance to compete for the title of CCC National Champion and a roster spot in the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.
More than 800 clubs nationwide will be participating in this year's CCC, a stroke-play event designed for top amateur golfers, attracting nearly 80,000 contenders. Golfers interested in the CCC can find a local participating club, enter the tournament or get more information by visiting http://www.chrysler.com/clubchampionship.
First-place male and female finishers at the local level will advance to one of eight regional tournaments hosted by that region's PGA Section or Golf Association.
From the eight regional competitions, 64 finalists (32 men and 32 women) will travel to Tampa, Fla., to play in the national finals, which will be a two-day stroke play event held in conjunction with the PGA Tour Chrysler Championship at the Westin Innisbrook Golf Resort (Oct. 27-28). The two national champions -- male and female -- will be rewarded with a trip to the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (Jan. 15-21, 2007) and a spot in the playing field of the annual Pro-Am tournament in Palm Desert, Calif.
In addition to hitting the links, CCC attendees will be able to hit the road and experience the Chrysler brand's full line of award-winning products first-hand with vehicle test-drive events at more than 250 participating clubs across the country.
For the third straight year, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS) and the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) will team with Chrysler and Golf Digest Publications as the CCC's charitable partners. Both charities will receive donations collected in whole from the CCC program. Funds raised will help support research and programs to help find solutions to end the effects of multiple sclerosis and provide college golf scholarships to young men and women through competitive junior golf. To date, the CCC has helped raise more than $100,000 for charity.
"Golf has long been a part of the Chrysler Brand, and through the CCC we're able to extend it to the grass roots level," said Dave Rooney, Director -- Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. "But more importantly, the CCC will help aspiring young men and women earn college scholarships, and raise much needed funds to find inspired solutions to end the devastating effects of MS."
In 2005, more than 55,000 amateurs competed at 565 clubs in local and regional tournaments throughout the summer. This year, two new regional tournaments were added for a total of eight. Since its inception in 2004, the CCC has grown by more than 250 percent.
Chrysler has been affiliated with golf for most of its history, and 2006 marks the 41st anniversary of its sponsorship of the Bob Hope Classic. With four events under its corporate sponsorship, Chrysler is the title sponsor of the most PGA Tour events (Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Chrysler Classic of Tucson, Chrysler Classic of Greensboro and the Chrysler Championship).
About Chrysler Brand
Driven by the steady, consistent launches of award-winning new models, the Chrysler brand has seen a dramatic increase in sales, market share and brand image during the last 15 years. Chrysler brand sales have jumped a remarkable 357 percent since 1991, from about 130,000 units to 649,293 in 2005. No other American automotive brand has grown by that amount during the same period. The Chrysler Brand's succession of innovative product introductions -- which will include the Chrysler Aspen, the first-ever full-size SUV for the brand, and the all-new Chrysler Sebring later this year -- continues to solidify the brand's standing as the leader in design, engineering and value. The premium for the Chrysler brand is in the product, not the price.
About the American Junior Golf Association
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of MS. The society and its network of chapters nationwide promote research, educate, advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide-range of programs -- including support for the newly diagnosed and those living with MS over time.
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.chrysler.com/clubchampionship
Calling All MySpace Members! See Your Name in Lights! (Part 2)
Every Single MySpace Member Who Adds the 'Mooby's Presents: Clerks II' Page to Their Friends List Will Have Their Name Added to the Ending Credits on the DVD of the Highly Anticipated Release of 'Clerks II'
After the recent promotion where 10,000 MySpace members added the "Mooby's Presents: Clerks II" to their friends list in under three hours, The Weinstein Company announced today that beginning tomorrow July 14, any and all MySpace members, no matter how many, who add that same page to their friends list will also have their names permanently listed in the ending credits on the DVD of the highly anticipated release of "Clerks II." "Clerks II" is the sequel to Kevin Smith's ("Chasing Amy," "Dogma," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back") 1994 Sundance hit "Clerks" and again stars the hilarious foursome including Dante Hicks (BRIAN O'HALLORAN), Randal Graves (JEFF ANDERSON), Jay (JASON MEWES) and Silent Bob (KEVIN SMITH), and their new sexy manager Becky Scott (ROSARIO DAWSON). "Clerks II" is a Weinstein Company presentation that will be distributed in theaters nationwide on July 21, 2006 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). Genius Products, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: GNPI) will distribute the "Clerks II" DVD.
ABOUT CLERKS II
Ten years ago, best friends Dante Hicks (BRIAN O'HALLORAN) and Randal Graves (JEFF ANDERSON) were New Jersey mini-mall clerks slacking off together in their early 20s. Now, Kevin Smith checks back in to see what kind of changes have rocked their lives -- in work, romance and their eternally raucous life philosophy. What he discovers is that never before have so many, still done so little while having so much fun doing it. Now working in the fast-food universe at Mooby's, Dante and Randal have managed to maintain, and even hone, their in-your-face attitudes, agile skill with vulgarities and unbridled love of screwing with the customers. But they're also faced with such shocking new prospects as marriage, leaving Jersey and finding real careers.
Smith pushes his nothing-is-sacred humor right to the edge and then takes a leap as Dante and Randal invade the world of Mooby's fast food restaurant, where the slogan is "I'm Eating It." Behind the counter, where the only other employees are an uber-nerd (TREVOR FERHMAN) and an entirely too sexy manager (ROSARIO DAWSON), Dante and Randal are free to offend anybody and everybody who, so much as orders fries, in their inimitably irreverent way. But, even as riotous debates rage between them over such burning matters as George Lucas v. Peter Jackson v. Jesus, change is on the horizon. When Dante announces that he's going to leave Jersey forever and marry Emma Bunting (JENNIFER SCHWALBACH), Randal plots a going-away party so shocking it will draw the police, the fire department and potential protests from PETA, while altering their lives forever.
The Weinstein Company and View Askew Productions present "Clerks II," written and directed by Kevin Smith. Scott Mosier and Smith produced the film, with Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein and Carla Gardini serving as executive producers. The film features cameos by Jason Lee, Ben Affleck, Kevin Weisman ("Alias") and the comedians Wanda Sykes and Earthquake. It also features the triumphant return of New Jersey's inimitable duo Jay (JASON MEWES) and Silent Bob (KEVIN SMITH).
For more information on "Clerks II" visit http://www.clerks2.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/therealkevinsmith .
Video Games for Seniors? Nintendo Says Yes
Hundreds of Active 55+ Adults Try Brain Age and the New Nintendo DS Lite
at the Solera at Stallion Mountain Recreation Center Grand Opening
WHAT: Hundreds of seniors at the Solera at Stallion Mountain Recreation
Center in Las Vegas will have an opportunity to play Brain
Age(TM): Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day for the Nintendo DS
Lite. Ten lucky visitors will win a Nintendo DS(TM) Lite and copy
of Brain Age.
Brain Age presents players with a series of fun mental
brain-training challenges that incorporate word memorization,
counting and reading. The more often users challenge themselves,
the better they become at the tasks and the lower their estimated
DS "brain age." It is easy to pick-up and play, especially for
baby boomers who are not familiar with traditional video games.
Solera at Stallion Mountain is a new age-qualified community for
people 55 and older that offers an active adult lifestyle in a
smaller, more intimate neighborhood setting. Solera at Stallion
Mountain is located in the gated country club community of
Stallion Mountain.
WHO: Hundreds of Solera community members sampling the popular Nintendo
title Brain Age.
WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 2006
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PDT
WHERE: Solera at Stallion Mountain
Community Recreation Center
3736 Budenny Drive
Las Vegas, NV 89122
VISUALS: * Hundreds of non-traditional gamers (55+ adults) playing Brain
Age on Nintendo DS Lite
* Seniors interacting with other seniors as they learn their
"brain age"
Source: Nintendo
Six Flags St. Louis Celebrates 30th Birthday of the World Famous Screamin' Eagle
American Coaster Enthusiasts Travel Cross Country to Ride the Wooden Roller Coaster for 30 Consecutive Hours
Six Flags St. Louis celebrates the 30th Birthday of the world-famous Screamin' Eagle roller coaster with a 30-Hour Ride-A-Thon on Thursday and Friday, July 20 & 21. Members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts, who consider the classic wooden coasters an "endangered species," travel cross-country to ride the three-quarter mile long wooden coaster beginning at 8 AM July 20 and ending at 2 PM July 21.
Opened in 1976, The Screamin' Eagle was the last creation of famed coaster designer John Allen and said to be his favorite. Standing at 110-feet tall, 3,872-feet long and flying at a maximum speed of 62-mph, the Screamin' Eagle earned the title of "Longest, Tallest, Fastest Roller Coaster in the World" in the Guinness Book of World Records. This classic figure-eight roller coaster swoops over 11 lifts and 10 lows including an 87 and 100 foot plunge, the two longest drops known at the time of the coaster's opening. Today, the Screamin' Eagle stands in the shadow of The Boss sporting its original red, white and blue colors that it opened with in that bicentennial year. One of the most popular rides at the theme park, the Screamin' Eagle is the opponent that park goers of all ages must conquer before earning their place as a true thrill seeker. Visit http://sixflags.com/ for more statistics and photos on the Screamin' Eagle.
On July 20 and 21, American Coaster Enthusiasts from around the country take a seat on this great American coaster and mark 30 years with 30 hours of consecutive riding. Representing California, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland, Louisiana, New York and St. Louis, 20 riders make the coaster and its ups and downs, twists and turns home with only one food and bathroom break per hour. ACE, founded in 1978, is a non-profit organization with over 8,000 members involved in activities including award-winning publications, events and exhaustive preservation efforts of wooden roller coasters. In the early 1920's some 2,000 wooden coasters existed, fewer than 125 exist today. ACE has made saving or relocating endangered coasters, an integral part of Americana, a goal and major part of their purpose as an organization!
Source: Six Flags St. Louis
Web site: http://www.sixflags.com/
'VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown' Moves to Saturdays at 9 AM ET/PT.*
VH1's Music Radar
wake up to today's biggest music hits as "VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown" moves to its new premiere time and date. Hosted by Matt Pinfield, the two-hour program counts down the most popular videos of the week and brings the viewers closer to the music they love through several interactive elements. The show also welcomes musical and celebrity guests to its new set in the center of New York City's Times Square. Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Nick Lachey, Nelly Furtado, Pink, Anthony Kiedis, Dixie Chicks, James Blunt, Keane, Brooke Hogan, Paris Hilton, Five For Fighting have made appearances on the count down and look out for upcoming guests: Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Nickelback and many more.
The viewers and VH1's broadband channel VSPOT (http://vspot.vh1.com/) have taken over VH1's weekly countdown series as the videos are chosen online by the viewers. In addition to choosing the videos, of "VSPOT Top 20 Video Countdown" viewers can log on to http://top20.vh1.com/ and rank their top 20 video picks to help determine what videos make it on the on-air countdown.
New Video Adds:
Beginning Monday, July 17
Beyonce featuring Jay-Z "Deja vu"
Paris Hilton "Stars Are Blind"
Jewel "Good Day"
Jurassic 5 featuring Dave Matthews Band "Work It Out"
The Panic Channel "Why Cry"
"You Oughta Know" -- VH1 fills you in on artists on the rise. Get acquainted with these essential new artists.
Corinne Bailey Rae -- This British songbird enjoys the lithe pop vibe of her self-titled debut's soul 'n' jazz arrangements. But there are pockets of grit in this album as well, thanks to Rae's past experience fronting an indie rock band and from her love of Led Zeppelin. The results are honest, intimate and soulful songs.
The Fray -- With the release of their debut album, "How To Save A Life," The Fray are ready to show the world that Denver actually is a "rock city." The timeless songs on their debut are soaring ballads with a ragged edge. Led by choir-trained singer Isaac Slade, the band invokes the sound of Coldplay mixed with Bright Eyes.
*all times ET/PT
Contacts: Lori Hornik/VH1
212-846-7131
KT Tunstall -- KT Tunstall has become a sensation in Great Britain with her soulful style of songwriting. Her debut, "Eye to the Telescope" is an intimate album with a rock crunch that comes from an appreciation for the beats of Bo Diddley.
James Blunt -- This ex-soldier has gone from riding in tanks to topping the UK charts with the ballad "You're Beautiful," that Elton John has compared to his own hit "Your Song." The candor and catchiness of Back to Bedlam is the reason for Blunt's success -- the CD showcases a disarmingly tender voice that speaks with the heart of a true romantic.
What's on VH1 Classic?
VH1 Classic and World Productions present the fourth installment of "Decades Rock Live," an innovative live concert series that features performances by celebrated artists from rock to soul who have influenced popular music over the last 50 years, as well as performances from some of today's hottest recording acts who have been inspired by these legends. The concert honoring Elvis Costello is set to premiere on VH1 Classic on Friday, July 21 at 8:00 PM ET/PT and will feature special guests including Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Fiona Apple and Death Cab for Cutie.
Highlights for the Elvis Costello tribute include:
-- Surprise acoustic performance of "Alison" by Elvis Costello and Billie
Joe Armstrong.
-- "Accidents Will Happen" duet with Death Cab for Cutie.
-- "Peace, Love and Understanding" encore performance with Billie Joe
Armstrong, Fiona Apple and Death Cab for Cutie.
Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more.
Source: VH1
Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://vspot.vh1.com/
http://top20.vh1.com/
BET's Award-Winning Rap-It-Up HIV/AIDS Campaign Blazes Into West Palm Beach, FL on July 22
BET's Mad Linx Slated to Host Teen Health Forum with Celebrity Panel Including Actor Lamman Rucker
BET's Rap-It-Up, the cable network's award-winning national HIV/AIDS public awareness initiative, brings its exceptional campaign to West Palm Beach to host a teen health forum at the Palm Beach Community College's Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m. Partnering with Rap-It-Up for the community effort will be the Palm Beach Health Department and the local City Government offices of Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee.
The Rap-It-Up teen health forum will address the social issues, sexual behavior and attitudes impacting today's teens; and the rise of HIV/AIDS in the urban community. RAP CITY's Mad Linx will serve as the forum moderator and will be joined by local 102.3 FM radio personality Frisco, actor (All My Children and Half & Half) Lamman Rucker, AIDS activist Marvelyn Brown, Hip-Hop artists Alashus and Lil Ma, and gospel recording artist Lisa McClendon. The Palm Beach Health Department will also be onsite to administer counseling and distribute health materials, and there will also be a concert for forum attendees following the health forum. The event is free and open to the public; interested individuals should contact telephone number 561-996-3310 for more information regarding tickets.
Today's disturbing statistics have shown that the state of Florida ranks number two of top ten states with the highest number of African Americans estimated to be living with AIDS. Additionally, African Americans account for the most AIDS diagnoses, people estimated to be living with AIDS, and HIV- related deaths than any other racial group within the United States. Although African-American teens (ages 13 - 19) represent only 15 percent of U.S. teens, they accounted for 66 percent of newly-reported AIDS cases in 2003.
Since its launch in 1997, BET's Rap-It-Up Campaign has tested over 6,000 people nationwide for HIV infection; managed over one million calls to the Rap-It-Up toll-free hotline; hosted community teen forums for over 9,000 youth; and reached millions of viewers via HIV-related programming on the BET Network, including award-winning news specials, documentaries and public service announcements.
Here are more details about the Rap-It-Up Teen Health Forum:
EVENT: BET Rap-It-Up Teen Health Forum highlighting the current
social and health issues impacting today's young adults.
DATE/TIME: Saturday, July 22 at 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(Media check-in begins at 4:30 p.m.)
LOCATION: Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center
Palm Beach Community College
1977 College Drive
Belle Glade, FL 33430
ABOUT RAP-IT-UP
Since 1997, the Kaiser Family Foundation and BET: Black Entertainment Television have partnered on an extensive public education campaign to inform young people about sexual health issues, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). The partnership includes special programming, public service advertisements (PSAs), online content on bet.com, and a free resource and referral service. In 2000, the campaign launched a grassroots initiative to complement the on-air and online components of Rap- It-Up. Program elements include teen forums, mobile HIV testing events, and a middle and high school curriculum on HIV/AIDS. The campaign was nominated for an Emmy for Best National Public Service Announcement in 2002 and 2001, and has received numerous other awards, including the 2002 Cable Positive POP Award for Outstanding Newsmagazine Series, the 2002 CTPAA Joel Berger Award, the 2002 NAACP Image Award, the 2002 Academy of Television Arts & Science TV Cares "Ribbon of Hope" Award, and the 2002 NBACA Community Service Award.
ABOUT BET NETWORKS
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 81 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; and BET Mobile, a service venture into the lucrative world of ring tones, games and video content for wireless devices.
Source: BET Networks
Web site: http://www.bet.com/
Micro Target Media Scores Another Event Marketing Success Using Its High-Impact Portable Restroom Advertising Structure at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game
Micro Target Media celebrates its most recent deployment of its high-impact portable restroom advertising structures (MTM*AdS) at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game earlier this week. The 58ft long and 8ft high bank of restrooms were wrapped on all four sides with the MLB All Star Week brand and a restroom trailer was outfitted with the MLB International, ESPN and Fox Sports brands.
Located in the MLB All-Star Sponsor Zone, the wrapped portable restrooms and trailer ensured uninterrupted visibility for MLB's brand advertising to an audience 100% qualified to care about their product as well as creating a visually pleasing restroom environment for all the fans to enjoy.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to work with one of the greatest American brands (MLB) and to help them enhance their fan's game day experience as well as promote their MLB All-Star Week brand," states Terry Popowich, Chairman, Micro Target Media.
In May, Micro Target Media's MTM*AdS were on-site at two major events, AIDS Walk New York and the Indy 500. In New York City, units were wrapped to promote Motown recording artist india.arie's new album and the AIDS Walk New York brand. The portable restrooms at the Indy 500 were wrapped to promote the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's "I am Indy" campaign.
Leif Green, Executive Director, AIDS Walk New York, comments "In fundraising event planning, portable toilets have always been a very necessary but unsightly blemish on the venue. Now, thanks to MTM, they are attractive, electrifying, and a fantastic new resource for additional sponsorship dollars."
Micro Target Media is a leading outdoor advertising company specializing in portable restroom advertising. Through exclusive media placement agreements with leading Portable Restroom Operators worldwide, Micro Target Media breaks through traditional advertising clutter to engage targeted consumers, one on one, at world-class events and construction sites.
Micro Target Media's in-house operations, proprietary systems and production facilities enable Micro Target Media to be the only provider of portable restroom advertising for key-market campaigns in North America, Europe and Asia. More information about Micro Target Media is available online at http://www.microtargetmedia.com/.
Mitsubishi Motors to Offer Rockford Corporation Sound Systems in Six Additional Future Models
Rockford Corporation (NASDAQ:ROFO) today announced that Mitsubishi Motors will offer the high-output Punch(R) sound of Rockford Fosgate(R) and the high-definition and clarity of Rockford Acoustic Design(TM) audio systems as optional upgrades on six upcoming Mitsubishi vehicles.
These six vehicles are in addition to four previously announced vehicles in which Mitsubishi currently offers Rockford sound systems: the Eclipse coupe, the Eclipse Spyder, and the all-new global Outlander offer Rockford Fosgate systems. The Galant will be the first vehicle in which the Rockford Acoustic Design system is factory installed.
"We are pleased to broaden and extend our partnership with Mitsubishi to give their customers what they want in a sound system," said W. Gary Suttle, president and CEO, Rockford Corporation. "They have acknowledged the positive impact, to date, of the high performance Rockford Fosgate sound systems on their customers' purchases and selection of upgrades. We expect this trend to continue with the six new models."
Suttle continued, "It is important to note that several of these programs will be for global vehicles, as well as vehicles sold in the U.S., Canada and Japan. This is a positive reflection of the value that Mitsubishi places on the worldwide appeal of the Rockford brands. As with the current programs, these new programs will run for multiple years."
Additional information on specific models will be available as Mitsubishi announces its programs for these cars.
About Rockford Corporation (www.rockfordcorp.com)
Rockford is a designer, manufacturer and distributor of high-performance audio systems for the mobile audio aftermarket and for the OEM market. Rockford's mobile audio products are marketed primarily under the Rockford Fosgate, Rockford Acoustic Design and Lightning Audio brand names.
Brand websites include: www.rockfordfosgate.com, www.rockfordacousticdesign.com, www.lightningaudio.com and www.installedge.com.
Source: Rockford Corporation
Web site: http://www.rockfordcorp.com/
Johnny Depp's 'Scissor-Hand,' Marlon Brando's SAG Card and 'The Wizard of Oz' Original Matte Painting Are Among Over $2 Million Worth of Exclusive TV and Movie Memorabilia to Be Auctioned Friday, July 28 by Joseph Maddalena's World-Renowned 'Profiles In History'
Auction Also Features One of the Most Important Film Artifacts Ever to Be Auctioned the 'Mighty Joe Young' Armature Est: $80,000-$100,000
Fans and collectors looking for Johnny Depp, Marlon Brando, The Wizard of Oz, or just about anything related to Hollywood Memorabilia should pencil in Friday, July 28 on their calendars. Joseph Maddalena and his internationally-renowned Profiles In History, the number one company in the world for live and simultaneous Internet memorabilia auctions, will be holding their Summer 2006 auction, featuring more than 650 items of original TV and movie memorabilia, worth more than $2 million.
The six-hour auction, starting at 12 noon PDT, will be headlined by an original "Mighty Joe Young" armature. This incredible artifact, designed by Willis O'Brien and animated for the film by Ray Harryhausen, represents a milestone in visual effects technology, which helped advance stop-motion filmmaking to an entirely new level.
Also featured at the auction will be Johnny Depp's 'scissor-hand' glove from Edward Scissorhands, (expected sale price $7,000-$9,000), the original matte painting from the opening scene of The Wizard of Oz, created for the very first scene of the movie, where Dorothy and Toto are shown walking down a lonely farm road in rural Kansas, (expected sale price $120,000-$150,000), Marlon Brando's 1956 Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) membership card which was issued the year after he won the Academy Award for his performance in On the Waterfront, (expected sale price $2,000-$3,000), and Winston Churchill's personal Stetson hat worn by Churchill during his 1952 tour of the U.S., (expected sale price $7,000-$9,000).
The only flight suit in the private sector that chronicles the historical flight missions and space exploration of acclaimed Astronaut Buzz Aldrin represents another exclusive item featured in the auction. Worn by Aldrin during his training for the Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 space flights, and in 1971 while he was commander of the Edwards Air Force Base Test Pilot School, this suit represents the most important period in Aldrin's career and a milestone in space exploration.
Collectors from around the world may bid in person either at Profiles In History's gallery located at 110 N. Doheny Drive in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles; live on the Internet at www.ebayliveauctions.com; or by phone or fax. All items to be auctioned are available for review in a full-color catalogue obtainable through Profiles In History, or by visiting the company's website at www.profilesinhistory.com.
Additional items to be auctioned July 28 include:
* Humphrey Bogart Naval Officer's Hat from The Caine Mutiny.
$1,000-$1,500
* Michael Keaton full Batman costume from the 1989 Tim Burton classic,
Batman. $40,000-$60,000
* John Belushi signature black two-piece suit from The Blues Brothers.
$25,000-$35,000
* Dan Aykroyd signature jumpsuit from Ghostbusters. $8,000-$10,000
* Original Tom Jung final concept artwork for the Star Wars: The Empire
Strikes Back, re-release one-sheet poster. $8,000-$10,000
* Complete Samurai armor costume from The Last Samurai. $2,000-$3,000
* Dick Van Dyke and Matthew Garber jackets worn in the park sequence from
Mary Poppins. $35,000-$45,000
* Julie Andrews signature Bavarian dress worn in the "Do-Re-Mi" musical
sequence from The Sound of Music. $40,000-$60,000
* John Wayne western ensemble from Rio Bravo. $10,000-$12,000
* Elvis Presley white sport jacket from Fun in Acapulco. $4,000-$6,000
* Ronald Reagan personal Stetson hat with interior stamp "Made Especially
for Gov. Ronald Reagan." $3,000-$5,000
* Dan Blocker signature ten-gallon hat worn as "Hoss" in Bonanza.
$2,000-$3,000
* Original Starfleet Tricorder from Star Trek. $18,000-$22,000
* "ORCA" letters and life ring from Quint's boat in Jaws. $4,000-$6,000
About Profiles In History
Profiles In History is the nation's leading dealer of original historical letters and manuscripts. Collectors and history buffs alike will be captivated by Profiles In History's outstanding array of historical letters in every field: American Presidents and statesmen; Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers; scientists and inventors; celebrated authors, artists and composers; aviators and explorers; sports heroes and Hollywood legends; as well as many others who have left an indelible mark on history.
In 1995, Profiles In History expanded into the world of entertainment memorabilia auctions. Now, over 24 auctions later, it has become the preeminent auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia including props, costumes, artist's sketches, posters and autographs from film, television and rock n' roll. Setting numerous world record prices for Hollywood collectibles, Profiles In History draws the most prominent collectibles, some consigned directly from Hollywood producers, prop makers, costume designers and actors.
All items to be auctioned are available for review in a full-color catalog obtainable through Profiles In History's Beverly Hills' office, or by visiting the company's website at www.profilesinhistory.com
Source: Profiles In History
Web site: http://www.profilesinhistory.com/
http://www.ebayliveauctions.com/
PBS TV Series, 'THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY' Offers Unique Window Into North Korea
First Foreign Broadcast Unit Visits Kaesong Industrial Complex
Last month, THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY, the Washington, DC-based public affairs television series, became the first foreign broadcast team to visit the Kaesong Industrial Complex Project in Kaesong, North Korea.
Because of the recent test firing of missiles by North Korea, the timing of the mid-June visit by THIS IS AMERICA to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea is both extraordinary and newsworthy.
THIS IS AMERICA VISITS KAESONG, NORTH KOREA gives viewers a rare opportunity to "inspect" this historic inter-Korean undertaking and close up look at North Korean factory workers on the job.
Working conditions, wages, and method of salary payment - issues of concern to some in the United States -- are addressed during interviews with the Director General of the South Korean Unification Ministry's Kaesong Project, the Chairman of the (North/South) Complex's Management Committee, South Korean businessmen who live and work in Kaesong, and several North Korean workers.
The weekly series, which devotes an entire half-hour program to the Kaesong project, will be fed to PBS stations today and to the AmericanLife TV Cable Network thereafter.
The Kaesong Project is a three-year-old economic cooperative with long- term unification overtones. The project brings together South Korean business experience and investment capital and North Korean workers and land.
The Kaesong Project now occupies several city blocks north of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Currently 15 South Korean companies employ 8000 North Korean workers in small factories making products such as kitchen utensils, wiring for appliances, and clothing. The project's goal in 2012 -- to then occupy a landmass the size of New York City -- is 300 South Korean businesses employing 500,000-750,000 North Korean workers.
The project's name is spelled KAESONG in North Korea and GAESEONG in South Korea.
THIS IS AMERICA presented a Kaesong program proposal to South Korea's Ministry of Unification in its Washington Embassy and met with members of the Ministry of Unification in March. The DPRK (North Korea) issued an invitation to Wholey and Oglesby in June.
On previous visits to South Korea, Wholey has interviewed ROK President Roh Moo-hyun, Foreign Minister (candidate for United Nations Secretary- General) Ban Ki-moon, and many key government, business, culture, and tourism officials.
Oglesby and Wholey were accompanied to Kaesong by Cameron Kim and Han Sang-Il of the Seoul-based camera crew, AFO Communications; members of South Korea's Ministry of Unification; and photographer, Oh Seung Jun.
About: THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY
THIS IS AMERICA WITH DENNIS WHOLEY is based in Washington, DC, and produced by Dennis Wholey Enterprises, Inc. The program is broadcast on PBS stations, presented on cable by the AmericanLife TV Network, and sent to 160 countries by Voice of America Television.
THIS IS AMERICA'S principle underwriters are Hyundai Motor America and the National Education Association.
Web site: http://www.thisisamerica.net/
The True Story of Deployment: Soldier's New Book Chronicles Daily Life, Personal Feelings About Tour of Duty in Iraq
-- They are America's "weekend warriors," but in Iraq, they are a fierce fighting force that endures the struggles and situations on the latest battlefront. In a new book by Malcolm Rios, Under the Gun: Infantryman, Medic, Tattoo Artist: My Year in Iraq (now available through AuthorHouse), this Tennessee National Guardsman describes in detail the tour of duty in Iraq and the realities of serving in the war.
Beginning two weeks before his regiment's departure for the Middle East, the book includes the day-to-day journal Rios kept while stationed at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, about 45 miles northeast of Baghdad. As a medic, Rios was detached from his original squadron and reassigned, along with 14 other members of his Iron Troop platoon, and he was made an infantryman in a fire team of Bradley dismounts.
With access to the Internet, Rios sent home monthly journal entries, which make up a large portion of Under the Gun. He describes conducting daily patrols and training the Iraqi Army. He writes about tattooing fellow servicemen during downtime on two posts. The interactions between soldiers are interspersed with stories of bravery, heroism, loss and victory. Under the Gun articulates more than just firsthand accounts of combat -- it shares with the reader the frustrations of being away from home and the complexities of living and working in close quarters with men and women who are constantly in a state of alert and stress.
From where Rios called home in Iraq, one can see only desert in every direction. From this remote location, Rios relays his thoughts and feelings about serving his country in the War on Terror. This intimate account of a soldier wrestling with his own beliefs and faith, which he had been sworn to uphold and defend, illuminate the realities of modern warfare and the bravery of the modern soldier.
Brutally honest and candid, Under the Gun leaves readers with no doubt about what America's fighting forces deal with while serving in the combat environment. As thousands of America's finest give 100 percent each day, this book shines light on what they are really going through in Iraq.
Rios continues to serve with the 278th ACR as a medic for the 3rd Squadron. During high school he enlisted in the Navy and after graduating, was on active duty until 1992. He earned a degree in business administration from Tennessee Technological University and owned his own landscaping business after college. In 2002, he sold his company and moved to Springfield, Mo., to attend the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. A year later he received a master's degree in theological studies. After returning to Tennessee, he enlisted in the National Guard as a medic. A songwriter and artist, Rios is also youth leader at First United Methodist Church in Livingston, Tenn. Under the Gun is his first book.
AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.
Source: AuthorHouse
Web site: http://www.authorhouse.com/
Ramón Ayala la Estrella del Concierto en el Festival de la Cosecha en Baytown, Texas
Los organizadores del Festival de la Cosecha anunciaron hoy la lista de artistas de la música para su gigantesco evento de entretenimiento que llega a Baytown, Texas en Baytown Fairgrounds, 7900 N. Main Street, el sábado, 19 de agosto de 2006. Las puertas estarán abiertas a las 11 a.m. Los boletos estarán disponibles en la entrada, cuestan US$20 para adultos y US$5 para niños de 5 a 12 años. Los niños menores de 5 años entran gratis. Los boletos también estarán a la venta en las tiendas H-E-B y Fiesta a partir del 1ro. de agosto. También están disponibles, boletos de grupo, patrocinios y casetas de vendedores. Se espera la asistencia de más de 25,000 visitantes de Baytown, Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte y comunidades de los alrededores.
El Festival de la Cosecha, que con toda certeza marcará un hito en la historia de Baytown, unirá a toda la familia para disfrutar de comida y refrescos, juegos y premios, un zoológico para acariciar animales, juegos de entretenimiento, música y mucho más.
El propósito del festival es preservar el arte de la cultura hispana y ofrecer un evento de entretenimiento familiar apetecible para todas las edades. Un porcentaje de las ganancias del evento beneficiará a tres organizaciones no lucrativas con exención tributaria 501(c): Baytown Youth Rodeo Association, Talento Bilingüe de Houston y I Have a Dream(R), Houston.
La estrella del Festival, Ramón Ayala es un compositor, acordeonista y vocalista que ha definido la música norteña con canciones distintivas y estilos instrumentales definitivos desde hace más de 40 años. Ayala, muy popular en ambos lados del Río Grande, comenzó tocando su instrumento favorito, el acordeón, a la edad de 6 años. Sus canciones con frecuencia relatan historias de amores injustos y vidas difíciles. Con más de 100 álbumes, Ayala, ganador de premios Grammy, cuenta con una presencia fuerte en el sector por más de cuatro décadas. Sus sencillos más populares incluyen "Tragos Amargos", "Señor Dios", "Mi Piquito de Oro", "Puño de Tierra", "Tejano Enamorado", "Lágrimas", "Nadie Como Tu" y "Tengo Miedo".
La lista de estrellas del Festival de la Cosecha está compuesta por el rey del acordeón Ramón Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte, Los Traileros del Norte, Los Herederos de Nuevo León, Emilio Navaira, David Lee Garza, Little Joe y la familia y DJ Kane.
El organizador del evento, Solo Zydeco Promotions, se dedica a promover festivales de música en el área de Houston desde hace más de diez años. Sus eventos más notables son el Crosby Zydeco Festival anual en Crosby, Texas cada marzo y el Zydecopalooza Music Festival en Humble por numerosos años. Para Solo Zydeco Productions, la promoción de eventos familiares es una pasión y su fuerte
The Single Most Incredible Survival Story of the 9/11 Tragedy THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B
World Premiere Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
I knew what kind of danger we were in. Time wasn't on our side anymore ... I said, 'It's time for us to get out of here.' JAY JONAS
You could actually hear the floors hitting one another, boom, boom, boom, and I remember thinking to myself ... Oh s**t, this is it, we didn't make it. SAL D'AGOSTINO
I rolled to a corner and basically went into a fetal position and waited for the end. JIM McGLYNN
I thought I was going to be dead in a few seconds, and I remember feeling, I hope, I hope this is fast. MICKEY KROSS
Among the thousands of stories of courage, heroism, and tragedy of September 11, 2001, one amazing episode stands out. When the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed at 10:28 a.m. that day, and so many perished, there were 14 individuals trapped inside, beneath half a million tons of twisted steel and debris, who lived to escape and tell about it. The story of how they cheated death is told, firsthand, in the special THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, premiering Monday, August 14, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on The History Channel.
This moving special tells how these people -- 12 firefighters, an office worker, and a Port Authority police officer -- lived through the collapse of the North Tower, survived for hours, and finally, when all hope seemed lost, were rescued. The program reveals the chain of uncanny coincidences and bizarre events that enabled them to stay alive. Their interlocking stories, from the time they woke up on 9/11 to the moment when they were finally reunited with their families, together tell an incredible feat of human survival. They also tell the bigger story of the heroic efforts of the firefighters to save lives ... and of the 2,749 men and women who never made it home.
THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B tracks the terrifying events, from the growing sense of confusion as the scene grew more chaotic; the harrowing journey up and down endless, hot flights of stairs as a giant fireball burned above them; the race against time to shepherd each other out of the tower as collapse became imminent; the shocking sound of the floors hitting each other as the building fell on top of them; the feeling of bracing for death and, in the words of one firefighter, "seeing your own funeral"; and the harrowing wait for help beneath the mountain of rubble. And finally, the ray of sunshine that pierced the despair and showed them the way to safety.
The survivors walk through that day from early morning, when all was normal, to late that night, when they reunited with their loved ones after the surreal ordeal and broke down in emotion and stress as the shock of what had happened began to set in. Also sharing their personal stories: the loved ones and rescue units that tried desperately and waited anxiously to establish contact with those feared lost in the collapse, including the heroic effort to navigate the treacherous debris field and connect a lifeline to the survivors as they waited for help. In addition to being a remarkable story of survival, THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B is a tribute to those that didn't make it, to the lives they led, and the courage they showed.
Executive Producer for The History Channel is Marc Etkind. THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B is produced for The History Channel by Testimony Films. Produced and directed by Steve Humphries and co-produced by David Long.
The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.
MARC ETKIND
DIRECTOR, HISTORICAL PROGRAMMING
THE HISTORY CHANNEL
Marc Etkind has been a Director of Historical Programming at The History Channel since May 2003. In his position, he serves as Executive Producer for many of the network's series, specials and pilots like: Mega Disasters, Lost Worlds and Mega Movers. He is also responsible for program development -- from its creative inception to its final execution. His special, "Last Days of World War I" was Emmy nominated for Outstanding Historical Program, and "Tsunami Waves of Death" was garnered several awards. In 2005, he also executive produced "The Man Who Predicted 9/11."
Prior to joining The History Channel, Marc Etkind was the president of Pinball Productions, a Boston based production company specializing in history and science programs. He helped produce over a hundred hours of programming for such networks as The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The History Channel.
Before starting his own company, Marc was a staff producer for the PBS series "Scientific American Frontiers" with Alan Alda. He also produced interactive exhibits, which can be seen in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago and The Science Place in Dallas. His book "Or Not To Be" was published by Riverhead Books.
He is a graduate of Brown University.
STEVE HUMPHRIES
PRODUCER, THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B
Producer, director and writer Steve Humphries formed Testimony Films, based in his home town of Bristol, England in 1992. He was formerly a lecturer in history and sociology at the University of Essex. Testimony is a small company specialising in history programs. Since it began Humphries has made more than eighty network history programs for BBC1, BBC2, ITV1 and Channel 4. The programs are distinguished by ground breaking research and emotional power. They are based on the intimate stories of men and women, often talking for the first time about difficult and taboo subjects. Many have won major national and international awards including the Royal Television Society Best Documentary, The BFI Archive Film Award, The Chicago Film Festival Gold Hugo and the Silver Spire at the San Francisco International Film Festival. Most of the series are accompanied by books, co-authored by Humphries, some of which have become bestsellers.
Humphries's first landmark series was A Secret World of Sex (BBC2, 1992) based on his book of the same name. In it the oldest generation spoke openly for the first time about how they had broken sexual taboos in their youth. He revealed that 30,000 women in Britain had been sent to mental hospitals during the first half of the twentieth century for having sex before marriage -- and interviewed some of them. After this he produced a number of very successful social history series for the BBC like A Labour of Love (BBC2, 1993), Forbidden Britain (BBC2, 1995), A Man's World (BBC2, 1996) The Call of the Sea (BBC2, 1997), and Veterans: Last Survivors of the Great War (BBC1 1998).
For Channel 4 Humphries has produced a number of landmark history series documentaries like Hooked: A Secret History of Addiction (Channel 4, 1998), Green and Pleasant Land, the story of the British countryside and Far Out: The Dawning of New Age Britain, the hidden history of alternative culture and communes in Britain. One of his specialties has remained sex histories with the series Married Love (Channel 4, 2003), the story of sex in marriage, The Affair (Channel 4, 2003) and Sex in A Cold Climate (Channel 4 1998). This was an expose of a nun's abuse of young unmarried mothers. It led to a huge helpline response and directly inspired Peter Mullen's feature film The Magdalene Sisters. It was voted eighth in Broadcast magazine's top ten documentaries that changed the world.
Testimony won the RTS Bristol award for best network documentary for three consecutive years between 2003 and 2005, all with Channel 4 programs -- Married Love, Horror on the Home Front and Britain's Boy Soldiers. In the past twelve months, Testimony have made programs for all the terrestrial broadcasters in Britain and are diversifying by selling programs to digital channels in Britain and overseas like UKTV and The History Channel in the United States. Steve Humphries has produced The Man That Predicted 9/11 and The Miracle of Stairway B for The History Channel.
DAVID LONG
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER, THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B
David Long is associate producer of THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, produced for The History Channel by Testimony Films.
Some of his previous productions include: The Man Who Predicted 9/11 (The History Channel), the story of Morgan Stanley's Cornish-born security chief who predicted the attack on the Twin Towers by plane, and organized the evacuation plan that helped to save 3,000 lives; the biography Jimi Hendrix: Made in London (BBC), about how the musician achieved success in London; Lost in Space (ITV), a documentary on sci-fi fans; Cary Come Home (also for ITV), a two part biography of Cary Grant to mark the centenary of his birth (he also raised money for a statue of Grant in his hometown of Bristol); 100 Years of Hurt, the story of England versus Germany soccer matches, as they reflect changes in the relationship between the two nations.
Born in London in 1957, Dave lives in Bristol, England. Originally a teacher, he moved into television 10 years ago. He is married to Alison, an elementary school teacher, and has two grown sons. His passions include the Beatles, the Tottenham Hotspurs football club, and early Peter Sellers films; he loves New York City, Venice and Barcelona. His favorite films are Broadcast News, It's a Wonderful Life and Hard Day's Night. On his current reading list: Divided by a Common Language - A guide to British and American English and White Heat - a History of Britain in the Swinging Sixties.
LIEUTENANT MICKEY KROSS
Retired, New York City Fire Department
Recently retired Lieutenant Mickey Kross is featured in The History Channel(R) presentation of THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, which premieres on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
A native New Yorker, Kross was a member of the New York City Fire Department from 1977-2006. He recently retired as a lieutenant from Engine Company 16, the company he served with during the September 11, 2001 tragedy. Kross was in the North Tower when it collapsed and miraculously escaped injury. In the aftermath of the disaster, he spent months helping with the recovery effort at the World Trade Center.
Directly following Hurricane Katrina, Kross volunteered to go to New Orleans as part of the FDNY deployment. As the assistant to the Chief-in-Charge of Operation Chainsaw, he helped in the clean up and rebuilding efforts.
During his tenure as a firefighter, Kross spent two years at the Fire Academy teaching new recruits the skills of basic firefighting. Prior to that, he spent four years as a New York City Police Officer. He also served in the United States Marine Corp. and was based in California.
Since retiring from the department, he dedicates his time to both the 9/11 Families Association and the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation. On their behalf, he devotes a portion of his time speaking to groups of all ages about his personal experience during the tragedy and all the heroes of that day.
He resides in downtown Manhattan close to where the Twin Towers once stood.
CHIEF JOHN "JAY" JONAS
New York City Fire Department Battalion Chief
Chief John Jonas is featured in is featured in The History Channel(R) presentation of THE MIRACLE OF STAIRWAY B, which premieres on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
John A. "Jay" Jonas is a Battalion Chief in the New York City Fire Department, currently assigned to Battalion 2 in Lower Manhattan. During his 27-year career with the FDNY, Chief Jonas has served in the South Bronx, Harlem, the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and Chinatown.
On September 11, 2001, Jay Jonas was the Captain of Ladder Co. 6 and was one of the first responding units to the World Trade Center. Jonas and his unit were rescuing a woman from the North Tower when it collapsed on them. They survived the collapse and their entrapment. Chief Jonas was selected as the official representative from the New York City Fire Department to attend President Bush's address to the nation at the U.S. Capitol Building following September 11th.
Chief Jonas has been published several times in professional publications, and is the author of procedures for the FDNY to rescue trapped firefighters. Jonas has appeared on NBC's Dateline in special piece on The Miracle of Ladder Co. 6, and was featured in a September 2002 ABC television documentary based on Dennis Smith's book, Report from Ground Zero. He is the recipient of the Bishop's Cross, given by the Bishop of the New York Diocese of the Episcopal Church. Jonas received a "Men of the Year Award" from The Men's World Day Organization in Vienna, Austria, presented by Mikhail Gorbachev and Paul McCartney. Chief Jonas was also the first recipient of the New York Post's Liberty Award for Leadership. He was nominated for this award by his fellow firefighters who served with him on September 11th.
Chief Jonas has an AAS degree in Fire Protection Technology from Orange County Community College (SUNY) and a BS degree in Fire Administration from Empire State College (SUNY). He and his wife live in Goshen, NY. They have three children.
Source: The History Channel
Web site: http://www.history.com/
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER
The History Channel(R) three-hour special on the Pilgrims' troubled journey and the founding of the Plymouth Colony
World premiere November 2006
An epic journey ... religious devotion ... escape from persecution ... love and conflict -- The dramatic true story of the most famous European settlement in the New World
It's a story familiar to most of us from school. And in many ways, the story of the passengers on the Mayflower is like that of every immigrant who has come to America to start a new life. Yet the true story of the Pilgrims is far more complex than the one most of us learned as children -- and also more intriguing. This is a decades-long epic tale, filled with real drama, tragedy, and inspiration, revealed in the three-hour special DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER, a World Premiere on The History Channel in November 2006.
The story:
The Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony are a small band of religious extremists who flee persecution in Europe in the hopes of creating a more godly society in the New World. These are not the sober, gray-haired Founding Fathers of legend -- they're young, passionate and highly educated rebels who believe their king's religion violates the true faith. Condemned as traitors in England and forced into a life of exile and poverty in Holland, the group decides to risk all and take their chances in the wilds of America.
But, in order to realize their venture, our pilgrims have to join forces with 50 so called "strangers," people who do not share their religious beliefs. The conflict between the two groups is exacerbated by a perilous sea voyage, disease and the harsh realities of surviving in the middle of winter in a hostile land. After much turmoil and hardship the colonists form a cohesive group and find a way to forge a life for themselves in America, learning from and creating a fragile, temporary truce with the native peoples. From the treacherous ocean passage to the first years of struggle to establish a new home, the story of Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony is the story of America -- with all its contradictions.
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER digs deeper into the facts than any previous documentary, to paint a devastating picture of the difficult lives of these early immigrants. Based on meticulous historical research and original source material including William Bradford's first-hand account, Of Plymouth Plantation, the program recreates the fascinating world of the Pilgrims in all its complexity.
Using historically accurate dramatizations, the special was shot on location at historic Plimoth Plantation, as well as in England, Belgium, Maryland and Virginia. Interviews with leading historians, scholars and modern day members of the Wampanoag community reveal the intricacy of the real story, an epic journey touched by religious fervor and intolerance, personal triumph and tragedy. Gifted actors from England's Royal Shakespeare Company provide an authentic picture of these 17th-century pioneers, presenting their stories with all the excitement and suspense of a feature film.
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER explodes time- honored myths about this determined band, including their relationship with the Native Americans. Tempered by years of violent discrimination, they came to New England armed and ready for a hostile reception. Beyond the traditional stories of Squanto and Massasoit sharing in the bounty of the first Thanksgiving lies a far more ambivalent relationship. Members of the Wampanoag community, the tribe that coexisted with the Pilgrims, shine a provocative new light on the uneasy pact between the two groups.
Executive Producer for The History Channel is Carl H. Lindahl. DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER was produced for The History Channel by Lone Wolf Productions. Producer-Director is Lisa Wolfinger. Narrator is Edward Herrmann.
Interviews include: Nathaniel Philbrick, author, Mayflower; Len Travers, associate professor of history, U. Mass.-Dartmouth; Jonathan Perry, Wampanoag Indigenous Program; Diarmaid MacCulloch, professor of church history, Oxford University; Karen Ordahl Kupperman, professor of history, NYU; Linda Coombs, Wampanoag Indigenous Program; Francis J. Bremer, professor of history, Millersville University of Penn.; Libby O'Connell, chief historian, The History Channel; and Lisa Wilson, professor of history, Connecticut College.
The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.
CARL LINDAHL
VICE PRESIDENT OF HISTORICAL PROGRAMMING
THE HISTORY CHANNEL
Carl Lindahl is Vice President of Historical Programming for The History Channel(R), developing and overseeing new series, specials and documentary strands and advancing long-term programming strategies for the network. Lindahl has executive produced many of the network's successful and critically acclaimed Specials including Alexander The Great, Witch Hunt, Barbarians, Beyond The Moon: Failure Is Not An Option II, The Battle Of Tripoli, Isaac's Storm, The True Story of Black Hawk Down, the Cine Golden Eagle Masters Award- winning Fire On The Mountain, and the Emmy Award-winning Blood From A Stone. In addition to Specials, he currently oversees THC series including Deep Sea Detectives, Man Moment Machine, Heroes Under Fire and Declassified.
Previously Mr. Lindahl served as Vice President of Program Production at Turner Broadcasting, overseeing non-fiction programming and promotion for the networks TNT and TCM. Programs he executive produced at TNT include the Emmy- winning documentaries, Moment of Impact: Stories of the Pulitzer Prize Photographs; Football America; On Hallowed Ground: Streetball Champions of Rucker Park; Whatever Happened To Micheal Ray Richardson; Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story. Programs for TCM include: Howard Hughes, and the Cable Ace Award-winning documentaries Big Guns Talk and Inside The Dream Factory.
Prior to joining Turner, Mr. Lindahl was president of Communicreations, a New York production company that developed and produced non-fiction programs, TV advertising and promotion for clients including CBS, HBO, Cinemax, Turner Broadcasting, and The Discovery Networks.
Mr. Lindahl is a graduate of Ithaca College, with a Bachelor of Science in Television and Film.
LISA Q. WOLFINGER
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER
Lisa Q. Wolfinger is Producer, Director of DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER. Wolfinger has written, produced, directed and supervised the edit on a variety of television programs. Recent projects for The History Channel include a 90-minute Halloween special about the Salem Witch Trials, WITCH HUNT, (nominated for a 2005 News and Documentary Emmy) and a four-part marquee special, CONQUEST OF AMERICA (nominated for a 2005 Primetime Emmy.)
As co-owner of Lone Wolf Documentary Group, Wolfinger is also involved in the management of the company and overall supervision of all current projects, including episodes of the ongoing series for The History Channel, DEEP SEA DETECTIVES. Outside of Lone Wolf DG, Lisa has worked with partner Charlene Joyce (Screaming Mama Productions) to develop original programming for Nickelodeon's Noggin, Hit, Disney and PBS, as well as writing/developing feature scripts (Whatley's Quest for SONY Family.) She and Joyce are currently producers on the feature Frindle, based on Andrew Clements's best- selling book of the same name. In the past year Wolfinger and L.A.-based writing partner Rocky Collins have been writing and developing dramatic series for television.
Filmmaking credits
Wolfinger is Producer, Director of DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER, scheduled to air on The History Channel in Fourth Quarter 2006. She is Producer, Writer, Director of Conquest of America: The Northeast and Conquest of America: The Southeast; and Co-Series Producer of the four-part special event series CONQUEST OF AMERICA; and Producer, Writer, Director of the 90-minute docudrama special WITCH HUNT, which premiered on The History Channel in 2004.
Wolfinger is Producer, Writer, Director of the 2003 docudrama Fire on the Mountain, about the catastrophic Storm King Mountain fire that claimed lives of 14 wildland firefighters, which received the CINE Master's Series and Special Jury Award, 2004; Bronze Tele Award, 2004; and an Emmy nomination for Research, 2004. She is Producer, Writer, Director of the 2000 program Mayday!: Lost at Sea, a National Geographic Special broadcast nationally on PBS; and of ZOOM: Paracho, ZOOM: Marissa and ZOOM: Clayton"; guest segments for the popular children's program premiering on WGBH in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
She is Producer, Writer of the 2000 documentary The Beast of Loch Ness for the Nova series on WGBH; and of the documentary Titanic's Lost Sister, for Nova on WGBH, which won the New York Festivals' Silver World Medal, 1997, and the Golden Hugo Award, Chicago International Film Festival, 1996. Wolfinger is Producer, Writer, Co-Director of the documentary ER, Life on the Edge, nationally broadcast on PBS in 1995, about Detroit Receiving Hospital, the only level-one trauma center in the U.S.; and the independent documentary Steve Tobin: Portrait of a Sculptor, 1998. She is Associate Producer of the one-hour documentary Ballad of a Mountain Man, for PBS's The American Experience, 1989.
Other Credits
Wolfinger is Editor, "Fidelity Infomercial" (1993), and "Earthshare Infomercial" (1992); and Apprentice Editor, "Space Worker," which premiered nationally on PBS (1988). She is Treatment Writer for "Vanished: The Amelia Earhart Mystery," a documentary proposal created for WGBH/NOVA (1998); for "Cannibals," a documentary proposal for National Geographic Special.
Wolfinger is Director of the documentary "Paracho," about a small town in Mexico devoted to the craftsmanship of classical guitars; of "U-505 Exhibit: Oral History Project," created for the Museum of Science and Industry (1999). Wolfinger also worked on the 1995 training films "Running on Empty" and "The Hidden Wound," produced for the Detroit Receiving Hospital; and on a student documentary, "Neil Welliver: Portrait of an Artist."
Education
Wolfinger attended the ecole Hamaide, Belgium; the French Lycee, Denmark; and Cranborne Chase School, England. She attended the University of Sussex, England, from which she received a BA in European History with French and Russian; and the Sorbonne, Paris, where she studied European History. She maintains fluency in French through location managing, research and interpreting work in France, including the two productions Daredevils of the Sky and Hitler's Lost Sub.
JONATHAN PERRY
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER
Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal member Jonathan Perry appears in DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER as both expert interviewee and actor. He was Assistant Producer of Mystic Voices LLC: The Pequot War (2002), a documentary that was nominated for four Emmy awards and received two.
His film credits include: a portrayal of a Pequot ambassador in the documentary, and a Native war captain in Massacre at Mystic, one of the documentaries in Ten Days that Unexpectedly Changed America on The History Channel in 2006. He demonstrated the gathering of materials and the building of a traditional home in a Simon and Carr film production for an ongoing video exhibit at the Pequot Museum and Research Center, and portrayed a Wampanoag warrior in a joint National Geographic Scholastic film and W.I.P. Thanksgiving Educational project. Jonathan appeared in the PBS reality series Colonial House. He has been interviewed by international TV crews and appeared in a Chronicle Television segment about living history museums in Massachusetts.
Jonathan is the assistant manager of the Wampanoag Indigenous Program (W.I.P.) at Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum. As such, he appreciates having the opportunity to impact thousands of visitors each year from around the world in a positive way, leaving them with a realistic sense of the complexities of 17th-century Wampanoag government, material culture, and spiritual beliefs. Jonathan is on the executive board of the Aquinnah Cultural Committee; they are developing a tribal museum on Martha's Vineyard.
LEN TRAVERS
HISTORIAN
DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER
Len Travers is Associate Professor in the Department of History, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Professor Travers holds a doctorate from Boston University, in American and New England Studies (1992); a master's degree from Boston University in American and New England Studies (1989); and a bachelor's, magna cum laude, from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (1980).
Travers edited the book American Holidays and National Days: A Historical Guide (Westport, CT: The Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006), and is author of the book Celebrating the Fourth: Independence Day and the Rites of Nationalism in the Early Republic (Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 1997). He also authored the CD-ROM Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston, 1630- 1800 (Co-publication of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society and the Massachusetts Historical Society, 2001).
Published articles include:
* "The Paradox of 'Nationalist' Festivals: The Case of Palmetto Day in
Antebellum Charleston." In William Pencak, et al., eds., Riot and
Revelry in Early America. University Park, PA: Penn State Press, 2002.
* Entries for New Dictionary of National Biography (2002): "Myles
Standish," "John Underhill," and "Edward Winslow."
* "The Thwing Index: Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston,
1630-1800." New England Ancestors (Fall 2001).
* "'You see I am addicted to facts:' Annie Haven Thwing and the Crooked
and Narrow Streets of Boston." Massachusetts Historical Review 1
(1999).
* "'In the Greatest Solemn Dignity:' The Capitol Cornerstone and Ceremony
in the Early Republic." In Ronald Hoffman and Peter J. Albert, A
Republic for the Ages. Chapel Hill, N.C.: University of North Carolina
Press, 1999.
* "The Missionary Journal of John Cotton, Jr., 1666-1678." Massachusetts
Historical Society Proceedings (1999).
* "Science, Medicine, & Technology" chapter for American Eras:
Revolutionary America, 1754-1783. Columbia, South Carolina: Manly,
Inc., 1998.
* "Hurrah for the Fourth: Patriotism, Politics, and Independence Day in
Federalist Boston, 1777-1818." Essex Institute Historical Collections
vol. 125 no. 2 (1989): 129-161.
* "Sinews of Trade, Sinews of War: The Paper Money of Massachusetts."
Massachusetts Paper Money 1690-1780: The Collections of the
Massachusetts Historical Society. Portland, Maine: Massachusetts
Historical Society, 1988.
* "'Our Fathers were Englishmen:' Reconstructing an Early Seventeenth-
Century 'American' Dialect." American Speech: 1600 to the Present;
Dublin Seminar for New England Folklife Annual Proceedings 1983. Boston
University, 1985.
* Kerry W. Buckley, ed., A Place Called Paradise: Culture and Community
in Northampton, Massachusetts, 1654-2004 (University of Massachusetts
Press, 2004) for The New England Quarterly.
* Matthew Dennis, Red, White, and Blue Letter Days: An American Calendar
(Cornell University Press, 2002) for Reviews in American History.
* Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand: Watertown, Massachusetts, 1630-1680
(University of Massachusetts Press, 2001) for the Journal of American
History.
* Richard W. Cogley, John Eliot's Mission to the Indians before King
Philip's War (Cambridge, Mass., 1999), for The William and Mary
Quarterly.
* Elizabeth C. O'Leary, To Die For: The Paradox of American Patriotism
(Princeton, 1999), for The American Historical Review.
* John Seelye, Memory's Nation: The Place of Plymouth Rock (Chapel Hill,
1999), for The Public Historian.
* David Waldstreicher, In the Midst of Perpetual Fetes (Chapel Hill,
1997), for The American Historical Review.
Current Projects:
Prof. Travers is currently working, as co-editor, on The Correspondence of Rev. John Cotton, Jr. (1640-1699), a volume in the Colonial Society of Massachusetts Publications series; on "The Journal of Abner Barrows, 1756- 1758," Bulletin of the Fort Ticonderoga Museum; and doing research on the family correspondence of Jean-Paul Mascarene, 1724-1743, manuscript collections at the Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Ottawa, Ontario.
Related Professional Experience:
Prof. Travers also works as a historical consultant and commentator. Among past projects, he served on the Board of Directors, Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton, Massachusetts, 1998-2001, and was Assistant Director, Center for the Study of New England History, Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, 1994-1999.
Source: The History Channel
Web site: http://www.history.com/
Part of 9/11 Week on The History Channel(R): Moments of Courage, Acts of Grace, Triumphs of Will ... COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO
World Premiere Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
Hijackers prepare for their own deaths. A firefighter sends his wife off to work, 81 floors up in the World Trade Center. Loved ones scramble to reconnect amid the rubble. Wives watch on television, knowing their husbands may die. The September 11, 2001 disaster unfolded in many ways for many people, and a myriad of different stories intersected in Lower Manhattan, at what is now known as Ground Zero. The shock, fear, courage, and triumph of 9/11 is presented through the eyes of those who lived it in COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO, a special presentation premiering Sunday, August 13, 2006 at 8 p.m. ET/PT 9/11 on The History Channel.
Exactly when the 9/11 story began to play out is a different story for different people. For much of America, it started on the morning news and continued over a terrifying few hours that stretched into days, weeks and beyond. For the firefighters of Ladder Six in New York City, it began when the roar of a low-flying plane interrupted their morning coffee at the station. For hijacker Mohammed Atta, it started months earlier, in flight training schools in Florida. World Trade Center security director John O'Neill, a 25- year FBI veteran and a leading authority on terrorism, had warned America of the looming threat following the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, and even predicted that the terrorists would attack the towers again. COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO follows these storylines and many others in the time leading up to the attacks in New York to the brutal aftermath, with dramatic recreations, personal interviews, and archival footage, in the process showing the tragedy and triumph that became the twin hallmarks of 9/11.
COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO doesn't just tell the stories of individuals, but re-creates how the events unfolded, minute-by-minute, with very real tension and uncertainty building. Would more planes hit? Could the fires be put out? How much time until the towers fall? And most importantly, who was affected. This re-telling of the 9/11 tragedies dramatically conveys the emotional intensity of people's lives, as all the elements rush toward a convergence during 102 pivotal minutes -- starting from the impact of the first plane and continuing to the collapse of the North Tower.
Highlights of COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO include:
* The early efforts to pursue the terrorists, including warnings from
Italian officials) and the secret memos to President Bush advising that
Bin Laden was "determined to strike on U.S. soil."
* The story of John O'Neill, a 25-year FBI veteran who was the U.S.
government's leading expert on Al Qaeda, but who quit his post in
frustration to become head of security at the World Trade Center.
* Tracking the terrorists in their planning for the attacks, including
their preparations for death and the infamous purchase of boxcutters the
night before.
* The heroic efforts of Rick Rescorla, a corporate security head for
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter who was instrumental in helping evacuate the
Towers. Friends and loved ones recall corresponding with him over the
phone as the Towers burned.
* Selfless acts that serendipitously resulted in survival, including the
stories of Ladder Six Captain Jay Jonas and bank executive Brian Clark,
both of whom delayed their escapes from the Towers to help others who
were trapped.
* The reactions to the hijackings in flight control centers, and the
chilling realization that the planes were headed for New York and
Washington.
* Firefighters recall the painstaking climb up stairways carrying 110
pounds of equipment, and the race back down to escape the collapse,
including several who were trapped under the collapse and lived to tell
about it.
Executive Producer for The History Channel is Carl H. Lindahl. COUNTDOWN TO GROUND ZERO is produced for The History Channel by Story House Productions.
The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at www.History.com.
Source: The History Channel
Web site: http://www.history.com/
The History Channel(R) Presents A Two-Hour Special Examining the World's First Superpower Through Its Astounding Architectural Achievements
EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE To premiere in October, 2006
Network also to Launch New Weekly Series ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE Focusing on Other Great Civilizations the following week
Peter Weller to Host Both Series and Special
Five thousand years ago -- nearly two millennia before the Romans built their first mud huts -- ancient Egyptians began creating edifices so vast and architecturally sophisticated they remain to this day among the most impressive structures ever built. For thousands of years, without the benefit of computers, cranes, trucks or power tools, Egypt's mighty pharaohs commissioned the construction of monumental masterpieces -- pyramids, temples, fortresses, harbors and canals -- whose scale, beauty and craftsmanship still boggle the mind. But Egypt's road to architectural and imperial glory was paved with blood, betrayal and outright disaster.
Hosted by actor and art historian Peter Weller, the two-hour special EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE explores these timeless engineering feats through the prism of each pharaoh's indomitable personality. EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE premieres in October 2006 on The History Channel(R). The new series, ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE, launches the following week.
Egypt's massive pyramids, lavish burial temples, impenetrable forts and towering obelisks were the result of unparalleled architectural genius, unrivaled technology and millions of man-hours of backbreaking labor. As Egypt's succession of pharaohs alternately conquered and ceded vast expanses of what is today the Middle East, they pushed their royal architects to stretch the boundaries of imagination and human potential, essentially inventing the science of structural engineering as they went along. Using cutting-edge computer graphics and interviews with noted Egyptologists, and shot in high-definition, EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE brings to life an astonishing ancient world. This fast-paced follow-up to the critically acclaimed ROME: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE from The History Channel covers the extraordinary period from the First Dynasty in 3000 B.C. to the end of the reign of Ramesses the Great in 1212 B.C., chronicling the great pharaohs and the startling accomplishments that helped make Egypt the world's first empire.
Highlights include:
* Menes, the founding king of the First Dynasty and the first pharaoh to
unify Upper and Lower Egypt into one kingdom, oversaw the construction
of the world's first dam, a massive, 50-foot-high wall that protected
Egypt's capital Memphis from the Nile's ravaging flood waters.
* An enterprising young pharaoh named Djoser, in 2668 B.C. commissioned a
colossal burial tomb which would become the first stone building ever
erected on Earth, and the first of Egypt's 100 pyramids.
* Pharaoh Snefru, who married his half-sister in an effort to solidify his
claim to the throne, was a benevolent leader but a brutal warrior who
looted neighboring kingdoms to finance his architectural ambitions.
Through a series of trials and catastrophic errors, he elevated the art
of pyramid building to a new level.
* Snefru's son Khufu built on his father's engineering experience to
create the biggest and most perfect pyramid ever constructed: the Great
Pyramid at Giza. Each of the building's four 700-foot sides was almost
perfectly symmetrical, and each corner of the pyramid was level within
fractions of an inch.
* Essentially inventing military architecture, Pharaoh Sesostris III, the
great warrior, conquered gold-rich Nubia with the help of a network of
17 vast and sophisticated fortresses stretching hundreds of miles into
enemy territory.
* The rebel pharaoh Akhenaten (father of Tutankhamen) who, based on a
religious vision, moved Egypt's capital to a barren patch of desert
virtually overnight -- requiring his engineers to develop far faster
building techniques. Within two years, the bustling city housed 20,000
people.
* Ramesses II, who fathered more than 100 children, combined engineering
and ego on an unprecedented scale to build two temples at Abu Simbel,
one for himself and one for his beloved queen, Nefertari. Carved out of
the face of a virgin cliff, Ramesses' monument was adorned by 69-foot
solid rock statues and a lavishly decorated sanctuary built 200 feet
inside the mountain.
Executive Producer for The History Channel is Dolores Gavin. Host is Peter Weller. EGYPT: ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE was produced for The History Channel by KPI. Producer, Writer, Director is Christopher Cassel. Executive Producers are Vincent Kralyevich, William Hunt, and Kristine Sabat. Narrator is Michael Carroll.
ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE: THE SERIES
This October, The History Channel will launch a new weekly hour-long series, ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE, focusing on the architectural triumphs of other great civilizations. The series launches with episodes GREECE, GREECE: AGE OF ALEXANDER, THE AZTECS and episodes on the Maya, Chinese, Russians, Carthaginians, Persians, and Byzantines as well as on Great Britain, the Renaissance: Age of Architects and Napoleon's Empire. Similar in format and structure to the special, each of the programs will use the society's engineering accomplishments as a prism through which to view its history and culture.
The History Channel(R) is one of the leading cable television networks featuring compelling original, non-fiction specials and series that bring history to life in a powerful and entertaining manner across multiple platforms. The network provides an inviting place where people experience history in new and exciting ways enabling them to connect their lives today to the great lives and events of the past that provide a blueprint for the future. The History Channel has earned three Peabody Awards, six News and Documentary Emmy(R) Awards and received the prestigious Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for the network's Save Our History(R) campaign dedicated to historic preservation and history education. The History Channel reaches more than 89 million Nielsen subscribers. The website is located at http://www.history.com/.
Source: The History Channel
Web site: http://www.history.com/
WiderThan Releases Statement Regarding Patent Infringement Suit
Does Not Believe Suit Has Merit
WiderThan Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ:WTHN) , a leading global provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers, responded today to the announcement made yesterday by TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:TSYS) , that it has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Mobile 365, Inc. and WiderThan Americas, Inc. for patent infringement.
WiderThan does not believe the lawsuit asserting infringement of United States Patent No. 6,985,748, issued earlier this year has merit. WiderThan plans to defend itself vigorously.
About WiderThan
WiderThan is a leading provider of integrated mobile entertainment solutions for wireless carriers. Our applications, content and services enable wireless carriers to a broad range of mobile entertainment, such as ringback tones, music-on-demand, mobile games, ringtones, messaging and information services, to their subscribers. WiderThan currently provides mobile entertainment solutions to more than 45 wireless carriers in over 20 countries, including SK Telecom in Korea, Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T- Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless in the United States, Bharti Airtel in India and Globe Telecom in the Philippines.
Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
Any statements in this announcement about the future expectations, plans or prospects of WiderThan, including statements containing the words "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "expect," "estimate," "will" and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including factors described in WiderThan's annual report on Form 20-F. These factors include the fluctuations of revenues and earnings, our reliance on SK Telecom to generate a majority of revenues and as a partner to develop and test services, the fact that the markets in which we operate are highly competitive, the challenges of global expansion, the lack of any contractual obligation for our carrier customers to use our services, the fact that a substantial portion of our revenues are subject to pricing decisions of carrier customers, the consolidation among our potential customer base, the dynamics of the wireless carrier markets in which our largest potential customers compete with one another, the fact that our carrier customers could begin developing and/or providing some or all of our carrier application services on their own, our dependence on ringback tone service for a significant portion of our revenue, potential increases in royalty rates payable to music label companies, currency exchange rate fluctuations, maintaining an effective system of internal controls and complying with regulations required by the telecom industry and in Korea. The forward- looking statements included in this announcement represent WiderThan's view as of the date of this release. WiderThan anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause WiderThan's views to change. However, WiderThan disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing WiderThan's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this announcement.
Source: WiderThan
Web site: http://www.widerthan.com/
Massive 'Mount Rockmore' Sand Sculpture Highlights Groundbreaking of Hard Rock Park, the World's First Rock 'n' Roll Theme Park
$400 Million Project Represents Single Largest Tourism Investment in South Carolina History
Construction officially began today on Hard Rock Park, the single largest tourism investment in South Carolina's history and the first new major theme park to be built in the U.S. in nearly a decade. The $400 million park is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008.
To celebrate the occasion, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, park management and other gathered dignitaries scooped out ivory-toned Myrtle Beach sand at the site with customized multi-colored electric "guitar shovels" specially designed for the occasion to unveil a massive, 250-ton sand sculpture interpretation of Mount Rushmore at the site.
In true Hard Rock fashion, instead of U.S. presidents, 'Mount Rockmore' as it was dubbed, featured the countenances of rock legends Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. The monument was carved by artisans as a tribute to rock 'n' roll legends who have inspired, influenced and entertained generations of music lovers.
With more than five years in creation and design, the innovative Hard Rock Park will feature six unique "rock environs" celebrating rock's culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence. Appealing to the family audience, the destination theme park will offer a diverse blend of rides, shows and interactive elements creating a totally immersive full day experience.
The 150-acre park is expected to entertain as many as 30,000 guests per day and will create more than 3,000 jobs, providing an economic boon to the state.
Gov. Sanford said, "For generations, Myrtle Beach has been a major draw for tourism in our state, particularly when it comes to being a place for families to enjoy their vacations. With the addition of a major international attraction like Hard Rock Park, it's one more reason for folks to visit the Grand Strand and South Carolina.
"Hard Rock Park represents the largest single investment in tourism infrastructure in our history and we believe that this project will significantly accelerate the growth of the state's largest export - tourism," Sanford added.
Steven Goodwin, CEO of HRP Myrtle Beach Operations LLC, who will operate the park said, "People always talk about the rock revolution. Well, why not a revolution in the evolution of theme parks? This will be a type of entertainment that no one has ever seen before."
Hard Rock Park's creators have spent years collaborating with experts in the themed-entertainment industry as well as musical legends and rock culture aficionados to create a high quality mix of rides, shows and interactive elements. The design of the park promotes a social interaction in a fun atmosphere for people of all ages.
Oliver Munday, Vice President of Hard Rock International, who has licensed the Hard Rock brand to the project said, "Hard Rock Park provides a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in rock 'n' roll music and the culture. We pride ourselves on having the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia ... and Hard Rock Park will showcase some of our finest pieces to help tell the story of music within the park."
Munday then presented the park with its first item of memorabilia: the authentic Magical Mystery tour bus from the classic Beatles movie.
Source: Hard Rock Park
